Maggie's Cove: A Happy Place

A Happy Place

I decided to sign up for 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo as a solo racer in 2017. I got the party experience the year before as part of a 7 man team. I got to ride two laps, on my single speed, both of them taking place with my lights on. During the weekend I actually spent a lot of time sitting around, relaxing, and watching other racers. It was fun, but I wanted a different experience for myself this year. A challenge that would hurt. An experience where I might find out new things about myself and what I am capable of.

My goal for Old Pueblo is a minimum of 6 laps, or about 102 miles, with a hope for more. In order to reach this feat I really needed to ramp up my distance training and get out and ride. This isn't that hard for a roadie to accomplish, but I sold my road bike due to the fact that road riding scares the hell out of me. Luckily, though, the area south of Estrella Mountain Ranch in Goodyear is covered by a seemingly endless system of little traveled dirt roads that provide countless miles of riding that I could use for training.

South of Goodyear is the Sonoran Desert National Monument. The monument is a large area of land that is protected from future development and has grazing restrictions, making it a beautiful escape into nature. Within the monument are three wilderness areas, the North Maricopa Mountains wilderness area, the South Maricopa Mountains wilderness area, and the Tabletop Mountains wilderness area. I have been to both the Maricopa Mountains wilderness areas but have not yet reached the Tabletop Mountains wilderness area, which is south of interstate 8. Maggie's Cove is a happy place nestled in the middle of the North Maricopa Mountains wilderness area.

Riding to Maggie's Cove is a 43 mile out and back from my house. While I am not a huge fan of out and back rides, I am a fan of riding to a destination, and making that my goal. Usually destination rides result in an out and back, unless there is ample time to find another route, but that would consist of riding a circumference of the wilderness area and the mountain range, which is not feasible for a routine training ride. Starting south from my house I make it a goal when riding to Maggie's Cove to keep my tires on dirt as long as possible. There is a small section of pavement, but not enough to take away from the adventure that this trip is.

Heading south from my house I can ride on dirt almost immediately. To start the ride and head out of town I get on the Corgett Wash trail, cross the road and ride through the golf course on an unpaved service road, and then follow the power lines past FINS to Rainbow Valley road. On Rainbow Valley the community of Estrella begins to be left behind as farm fields, ranches, and dairies begin to pop up on the terrain. Shortly after hitting the broken pavement of Rainbow Valley road there is a cattle guard with a no cycling sign, rolling over it is fine on a mountain bike, however take caution with skinny tires and make sure you do not get caught in the middle, sending you over the bars. Continue south for about a mile on pavement until you cross the Waterman wash, where you can turn right on the unpaved Queen Creek road and start heading west on the dirt.

Queen Creek road from Rainbow Valley road to 207th avenue is a great stretch of dirt to ride on in either direction. Going west there is a slight uphill, nothing too noticeable but you will likely be traveling faster on the way back. This three mile stretch of road is continually maintained and graded for the farm vehicle traffic that uses the road. Once Queen Creek and Tuthill roads intersect you will ride by a giant dairy. It smells a bit, but make sure to say hi to the cows as they watch you ride by. They always seem interested in seeing a cyclist, a break from their usual scenery I guess. About a half mile past Tuthill turn left and head south on 207th avenue, a maintained dirt road with a slightly bigger incline than Queen Creek that will get your heart pumping as you pedal a bit harder.

This part of Rainbow Valley seems to be scattered with plots of land owned by people who want to be away from society a bit. Houses seem to be about a mile apart from one another, some are broken, dilapidated, no longer have anybody living in them, and have been left for nature to take back over. A small few are elegantly built houses with large fenced in yards for chickens, horses, dogs, and whatever other animals people chose to have. But mostly, in this area, are single wide trailers with a lot full of cars that will probably never travel again and trash waiting in piles to be burnt. Riding by I wonder what people are trying to escape from living out here. Do they have a reason, and what do they do for recreation? Do they have pluming, running water, and electricity or are they living a life off the grid? I continue to pedal though, because I believe that people living so far out on a dirt road are the type that like to be left alone and not those who would like to engage in a conversation with a curious cyclist.

The further south you pedal on 207th avenue the less maintained it becomes, but it is nothing that cannot be handled by a bike or even a regular passenger car. There are some sandy and bumpy areas and for me it is a relief to reach Riggs road at the end of 207th to start heading further west. Riggs road is a wide, maintained, dirt road. There is a bit of an up slope heading west for a few miles. You will be on Riggs road for about 3 miles before reaching the road that enters the wilderness boundary, just before the intersection with the Gas Line road, right after the Rainbow wash. You can see the large sign for the Sonoran Desert National Monument once you cross the Rainbow wash which serves as a landmark when turning off Riggs onto an unmarked dirt road to reach the sign. The Sonoran Desert National Monument, as well as the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area lies south of the Gas Line Road where you begin to go up into the mountains and the scenery gets prettier with each pedal stroke.

To reach Maggie's Cove campground and trailhead continue south on the dirt road marked with Wilderness markers, road 801A. On the map, it is listed as Woods road. Be prepared for this and seek out some satellite info on Google. It isn't that hard to get lost, but one of my friends did. There are a few unmarked crisscrossing dirt roads and there is no cell phone reception when you are between the mountains. The road up into the mountains is a well maintained double track gravel road. As elevation raises, the soil goes from a fine dust to more of a kitty litter gravel. Going through some small washes before reaching the saddle can put a little slip on the tires, but there is nothing impossible to pedal through. Nearing the saddle, you cross over another cattle guard from a time in history when grazing was allowed in this area - I did not notice any barbed wire to the sides or see any cows - so I do not believe there is grazing any longer in this protected area - and you can tell by the dense vegetation painting the beautiful scene before you. After the cattle guard there is a slight left hand turn, staying on the Wilderness Road 801A the incline begins to flatten out a bit. Look behind you here and you will see how far up you have gone, with views of the Estrella Mountains to the East, the White Tank mountains to the north, and the Buckeye Hills to the west. On a clear day you can see landmarks in the city, including University of Phoenix Stadium.

Continuing on past the cattle guard you will pedal through some loose soil and climb just a little more until you get to an intersection. Remaining on 801A or Woods road will take you out to state route 85. This is good to know if you are tired, out of water, or need an exit strategy. Pedal about three miles and you will meet the highway right by the state prison. Taking a left will drop you down into Maggie's Cove, the final destination of this trip. The downhill is not steep, but it does ease the effort you need to put into pedaling as you descend into the cove.

Reaching Maggie's Cove is a surprise. As you drop down, you can no longer see the city and you become surrounded by the hills of the North Maricopa Mountains on all sides. The cove is complete with about eight campsites with designated parking areas and iron fire pits. At the south end of the campsite there is the Maggie's Cove trailhead. The trail looks like something fantastic to ride, but riding bikes on Wilderness trails is not allowed.  The upcoming weekend I will be taking the Subaru back to this happy place with the family to explore and hike down the Maggie's Cove trail. The trailhead is complete with a map, information, a sign in log, and pamphlets that you can take with. There is also a bathroom, but no running water, so don't plan on any refills out there! In the future, I have plans to take my boy camping at this location. We might do a guy's camping night out there as well.

After taking a rest, soaking up some nature, and having a snack it is time to turn back home. From Estrella Mountain Ranch this is a 20-25 mile ride to the cove depending on your starting location. The way back is primarily downhill but the first few miles you will be climbing back up the road you just came down. Once getting to the saddle you will begin to see the sites you saw before when you looked back. The White Tanks, the Estrellas, and maybe some landmarks in the city on a clear day. The roads heading back north are all downhill until the first cattle guard you crossed on the pavement of Rainbow Valley road. This makes for an enjoyable ride if the wind is not in your face. If it is, as I learned last weekend, it will still be quite an effort.

In all, Maggie's Cove is a great little spot in the Wilderness that is not too hard to get to from the city. For a mostly pavement option by car enter Wood's road from State Route 85 near the state prison. The road is probably drive-able with a regular passenger car, but having something with all-wheel drive and a little bit of clearance will have you feeling more comfortable. From Estrella Mountain Ranch I suggest taking the dirt roads and soaking in the scenery of the area described in this post.

Estrella BeerDuo/Pirate Trails

Pirate/East Side Trail Review

Estrelladuro description

From the staging area to segment one there is a quick street crossing to a dirt powerline road that will take you to the start of our pristine single track.　

We will then ride a "soon to be closed" segment called Buccaneer trail. This is not timed and goes up and down through some washes over a low saddle.　

At the end of Buccaneer will be timed segment one. This segment will consist of climbing the Saddle Up trail and descending on the What Up trail. Climbing will consist of several techy switchback areas that will have you choosing the proper line on the fly. The descent is also heavy in switchbacks, and may even give advantage to those still rocking the 26 inch wheels. Total segment length will be approximately 1.2 miles.　

Segment two will be the the infamous Pirate trail. Pirate trail is desert single track at its best, and runs along the mountain foothills north to south. There are numerous wash crossings, ups and downs, and twistes that guarantee to put a smile on your face. Beware of the "pirate cove" which is the tech challenge on the trail, As it twists close to the mountain you need to navigate around larger rocks while heading through a wash. Approximate segment length is 1.6 miles.　

After pirate trail there will be a quick 200 yard jaunt down a fireroad to the next segment, titled Bootlegger trail.　

Bootlegger starts by descending down and through a wash, but don't be fooled, this is a climbing segment. The climb is gradual, and may include a mulligan at one of the optional tech lines. Approximate segment length is 0.7 miles.　

At the top of Bootlegger trail is Brethetn Court, 　a four way trail intersection perfect for the beer chug. Logs for sitting and a bike rack are just some of the amenities you will find at this semi oasis in the Estrella foothills.　

Segment four, named after Captian Hook's ship, is Jolly Roger. Jolly Roger is the longest and most demanding segment of the course. It starts with a descent to a fireroad crossing and gradually climbs to the fenceline of the Estrella Mountain Regional Park. The trail dips down into a wash and has a climb out that will have you shifting for an easier gear, or standing if you are a single speed guy. Once to the top of the climb there is a rocking flowly descent back to the finish at a fireroad. A possible jump mulligan is in the works for the end of this segment. Be ready for the course's loose and chunky sections to be displayed on this trail. Approximate length is 2 miles.　

After The Jolly Roger segment there will be a quick climb back up to Brethern Court, which will be the start of the final planned segment of the evening. This segment is the Rum Runner trail, a flowy descent back down to civilization. The first half of the trail is a quick straight shot down hill with a few slight turns. It is easy to get up to speed quick so 　ride smart. You will cross a jeep road and continue on the second half of the trail which twists around on relatively level ground to the end of the trail at the same powerline road we traveled in on. Approximate segment length is 1.2 miles.　

We will then have about a 1 mile ride along the powerline road to get back to our starting place to tap the keg of ice cold PBR. There is also an option to travel the mile back on a wide sidewalk depending on how you are feeling after the ride.　

We locals in Estrella are really looking forward to hosting this event! Get excited, it is bound to be a great time.　

　

　

　

FINS estrella

FINS

Off of Weststar drive there is a now well known trail system, formerly an “illegal” trail system, that goes by the name of FINS, or Fantasy Island North Singletrack. This review will be a great starting point for beginners and experienced riders alike to plan a ride and explore this well signed trail system.

-map-

Murel's Mile

Murels Mile is just that - 1 mile - named after one of the original builders of the FINS mountain bike trail system. Starting at the Stone Throne landmark (a big rock rising out of the desert floor at the junction of multiple trails) and ending at Proposal Pass, this trail offers a great experience for beginning riders who are looking to try out what mountain biking has to offer. The trail is well maintained by one of our local trail builders and offers everything that a beginning rider will need to gain some experience. Moving west to east the trail starts with a minimal climb and then a quick little descent that will have a newer rider reaching for the breaks, and an experienced rider looking for an opportunity to gain some speed. The trail then turns south and goes through some dips and finally heads back west up a steady climb that will get your heart pumping. This climb is a great place for a beginner to experience some climbing by keeping rear wheel traction to the ground, and a great place for an experienced rider to push the limits on a steeper gear. At the top of the climb there are some junction opportunities with other trails. You can continue west onto the rest of the trail system, or head north to proposal pass - a junction point with even more trail opportunities! This trail is great to ride in either direction. Heading in the opposite way you will start with a nice descent - a great place to work on cornering skills, and finish with a climb that brings you back to the Stone Throne, close to the trailhead.

Kim’s Climb

Kim’s Climb - like Mural’s Mile, is a self describing trail. It is an uphill stretch named after Kim, also one of the original builders of the FINS mountain bike trail system. This “climb” is mellow, but will make you pedal. Starting at the Stone Throne landmark and ending at Proposal Pass, it is an alternate way of getting places, which will become a trend in this review. This climb is a great way for beginning mountain bikers to experience that first real hill and to conquer those first real switchbacks. It is a great way for the more experienced rider to get some fun climbing in! The trail starts mellow going up a gentle incline to a few easy riding switchbacks and then hits a rocky section that will test a newer mountain biker and have the more experienced rider out of their saddle to avoid shifting on the way up. The rocky section will get your heart beating, but afterwards the climb mellows out a bit again taking you the rest of the way up to Proposal Pass - a junction with more trails. From here, most of the options lead to going down hill. One of my favorite things to do is link up the Kim’s Climb trail with the Spent Spade trail, which will be reviewed next. Getting to the top of Kim’s and going down Spent Spade without resting at the top creates one nice long segment with both an up and down hill. Riding Kim’s Climb downhill is also a fun option, but a less popular one due to the other down hill runs starting at Proposal Pass that will be reviewed later - but I suggest giving it a go. Is not downhill always fun no matter what the trail!?

Spent Spade

Starting at Proposal Pass this trail is a spectacular downhill run but does not have the tech that can steer some away from trying it. The trail is named after a trail building tool that met it’s match against the desert rocks. The head of a spade can still be seen on the side of the trail on each ends if you are looking close enough. Legend says it is good fortune when riding to acknowledge the “Spent Spade” out of respect for all the work trail building tools have done on this system that was built by hand, not machine. From Proposal Pass this trail starts out as quite the downhill, eventually going through a wash that will have you thinking that you are on a roller coaster. Above the wash the trail flattens out a bit as it turns right going through the Enchanted Forest, where stuffed animals have come to rest on trees and cactus. Through the Enchanted Forest the trail continues on a slight downhill and takes a sharp left. Be ready for this turn - missing it could land you in a pencil Cholla cactus! After the sharp left turn the trail twists a little on an easy downhill until it’s completion at the Connie’s Causeway trail where you can continue on in either direction. Climbing Spent Spade in the opposite direction is also a fun way to get from one place to another, and it will make you work. Like Kim’s Climb, riding up this trail is a great opportunity for beginners to start growing some climbing legs, and a great opportunity for the more experienced rider to continue to strengthen theirs.

Quartz Peak Hike, Sierra Estrella Wilderness

Quartz Peak

Nestled down south in the massive Estrella Mountain range lies the only trail up to any of it's peaks, the Quartz Peak Trail. 

It was a busy day, with about 10 other people starting out on the hike when we got to the trailhead. We expected to be the only ones in this remote area, but the weather was beautiful and the mountains must have called. We decided we would have a pre hike beer while we waited for the other group to get ahead of us. Ken checked out the facilities that the desert had to offer... 

The trail starts out as a half mile path from the parking lot to the mountain, then rises incredibly steep up the ridge line. One of the hikers in the group in front of us was wearing an orange sweatshirt. Seeing it up ahead was intimidating, we were about to begin to climb that high. It is a 3 mile total hike to the top, but the 2,500 feet in elevation gain takes place in about 2.5 miles! 

The trail consists of short switchbacks that cross back and forth over a steep spider ridge until you get to the main ridge of the Estrella mountain range. With each step you are higher on the mountain. There is a lot of exposure that takes a little while to get used to! 

2.5 miles into the hike, when you are on the main ridge line, the trail fades away due to the steep and rocky landscape. In the last half mile expect to use your hands as it turns into more of a "climb" than a "hike." Follow the large rock carins that mark the best way to the top. Even without the presence of a trail, route finding is no problem with the carins that have been set up. At this point you can see the giant slab of Quartz at the top looming over you like something out of this world. 

Getting up to the final Quartz slab at the very top requires about a 6 to 7 foot near vertical rock climb. If you are uncomfortable doing this, it will not hinder the view - but it sure was worth it to touch the cold white stones that made up the peak. 

Stepping up to the top of this mountain is an amazing experience. The whole hike takes place on the south western corner of the Estrella's, in other words - the middle of nowhere! Looking over the ridge at the top has views of the entire valley! Downtown Phoenix, the amazingly tiny South Mountain, Camelback, Squaw Peak, the McDowells, Superstitions, Mazatals, Papago, all in the distance. You can distinctly see Awatukee and the Gila River basin as well. Just incredible! Looking south and west you can see the Maricopa Mountains, Buckeye Hills, and the rest of the rugged landscape that surrounds the valley of the sun. It was a great time to sit at the top, enjoy the views, drink a beer, and have a snack! It took us an hour and a half to get to the top, we were able to pass every other hiker on the trail in the group that started before us. 

After our break enjoying the views at the summit it was time to start our trek back down. It was slow going at first, we took caution hiking back down the scramble section we endured on the way up. There was a lot of use of hands. I even did some sliding on my rear end. It didn't take too long and surprisingly was not as difficult or slow going as I expected. We were relived though, once the first half mile of the descent was complete and the trail started again on the spider ridge line. 

We stopped to have a second beer at this point, at a little flat spot before the trail started again. We were out to have some fun, enjoy ourselves and the nature - all during working hard. 

After our quick break we began the main descent. It was quick going and we used a jog/hike technique to get us down the hill fast. I cannot even describe how much fun this was. We ended up making it back down to the trailhead in a total time of 3 hours, with a moving time of 2hrs and 4 minutes. Not bad for a hike that suggests 4-5 hours of allotted time! Our total moving descent over 3 miles was only 40 minutes! 

Once back at the trailhead we celebrated with a final beverage, then made our way back to civilization. 

Estrella Mountain Regional Park

The Estrella Mountain Regional Park Review You Can Count On

The EMRP gets a bad name. Online forums and biking reviews about the park are almost downright rude! I am writing this review so the park gets a fair shot, maybe some of it's bad name can be relieved.

Getting There

To ride Estrella Mountain Regional Park (not the competitive loops) there are two main areas that I suggest parking. First, is through the main park entrance off of 143rd and Vineyard. This entrance will cost $6. Once through that entrance drive back to the Rodeo Arena and park there. In that location you will have the greatest and most immediate trail access as well as water and bathrooms available.

The other parking area (and my personal suggestion) is on the south west side of the mountain range through the community of Estrella. Park at the Foothills Park (future location of jump lines and a pump track) which is on the east side of Estrella Parkway, just south of Weststar Road by the High School. This park also has water and bathrooms available. Entry to EMRP this way will be on bike and only cost you $2 at an Iron Ranger.

To get into the park this way is a bit more complicated than parking at the Rodeo Arena, but not at all difficult. In about a mile or two of riding you will be there. Behind Foothills Park there is a dirt road. Go north on this road over a cattle guard and through a sandy wash. At this point you will see single track to your right. Follow the single track towards the mountains and the signs marked "PA" for Park Avenue. They will take you to the Iron Ranger and Connector Trail - which hooks up with Pederson trail and the rest of the park.

Pederson Trail

This Desert Classic-ish trail runs from the North West to the South East on a slight incline towards the Estrella Mountains. The trail travels in and out of semi deep washes offering a challenge, but nothing (besides one particular crossing in about 7 miles) that is too tough to make through without getting off your bike. The big draw of Pederson Trail - personally - is the isolation and absolute beauty of the desert mountain landscape that the trail offers. Do not expect to see hikers, horses, or anybody on this trail besides those who you are riding with.

As you get closer to the Estrella Mountain range you will travel through a massive cholla field - watch out for cholla balls on the trail - if those things get picked up by your tire and hit the crown of your fork - they are likely to end up in your leg! 

This trail is great for 29 inch hardtails, single speeds, and those looking to explore new places and try something new. Due to the isolation I do not suggest beginners venture out on Pederson Trail alone, but it will be no problem for the experienced rider to tackle solo. Be sure to remember your camera. Pederson Trail is best done as an out and back, turning around at the Homestead Trail. Continuing on past this point will bring you to a sandy road better suited for a fat bike.

Getting to Pederson Trail requires some travel along other trails. From the rodeo arena take the Coachwhip Trail south to the Gadsen Trail. Continue south on Gadsen to the intersection with Pederson and head out towards the mountains. If you reach Toothaker Trail you have missed Pederson, turn back you have gone too far.

From Foothills Park, take the Connector Trail to the Pederson intersection. Go straight, do not turn on the sandy double track. Climb through some deep washes until you get to a saddle with a giant pile of Quartz rock on both sides of the trail. Go down hill to Toothacher Trail, to Gadsen, and then turn left on Pederson towards the mountains. 

Homestead Trail

Homestead Trail is an alternate route to the top of Pederson, or back down to the connector trail from the top of Pederson. The trail is usually "San Tan Sandy" but it is a phenomenal ride after it rains. If the sand in washes you have crossed on the Connector Trail is reasonably packed down you know Homestead will be ready to ride! Although I do not own one, I can assume that this trail is a great place for your fat bike or 29+ rig, offering a ride option to loop Pederson rather than ride it out and back.

Personally, riding up Homestad after rain and down Pederson back to the junction with Gadsen trail was some of the most fun I've ever had. Spinning the pedals through the packed sand, with only some loose areas, never having to put a foot down was awesome - but conditions have to be just right. Homestead is a gradual climb, think Pemberton Trail at McDowell Mountain Park counter clockwise from the parking area - add in a bit more isolation, a bit more elevation, a few more rocks, more photo worthy scenery, and a more single-track like trail and you've got Homestad. The trail follows the areas largest wash - Corgett - along a mini canyon which gets deeper all the way towards the mountains. 

Once you arrive at the junction of Homestad and Pederson turn left (North West) to follow Pederson trail back. Turning right will take you south of the park where Pederson turns into Williams Field Road - a beach. This wide dirt road with sand 6-12 inches deep is no fun to ride on a regular bike due to the sand, and probably no fun to ride on a fat bike because it is boring and straight. I do not suggest this part of Pederson Trail to be included in your park experience, but it will get you back to where you came from.

To climb Homestead - from the Foothills Park go past the Iron Ranger via the Connector Trail. When at the intersection with Pederson make a right (South) instead of staying straight. You will ride down a semi sandy double track - nothing too tough to pedal over. Go past Gadsen trail, cross over the wide Corgett Wash and take a left on Homestead shortly after. This is where your gradual ascent towards the base of the Estrellas will begin. At the top when you reach Pederson take a left and cross back over the wash (about 20 feet deep at this point) in the other direction and descend back down Pederson - which is a blast!

Rainbow Valley Trail (section north of Dysart Trail)

The Rainbow Valley Trail is likely the most popular trail in EMRP. On this trail keep in mind that you are probably going to see hikers, horseback riders, and other mountain bikers. It is ever important that mountain bikers follow the rules of the trail - especially in EMRP where the biking numbers are just beginning to increase. No reason to start making anybody mad! Get off the trail and off the bike for horses, and be sure to announce yourself and yield to hikers and uphill riders.

That being said - Rainbow Valley Trail is a blast!

From the rodeo arena riding Rainbow Valley is great in both directions. Heading north (counter clockwise) starts with a small climb to a junction with the Baseline Trail. For a loop of an additional mile or so and a few extra feet of climbing take this trail, that dumps you back onto Rainbow a few yards up. Or, just stick on Rainbow itself to avoid the extra miles.

Continue to climb to a saddle overlooking the Tres Rios golf course with a view of the Gila River. Continue on rounding the corner south to begin a descent, followed by a little climb, followed by more descending giving you a roller coaster like effect. All this while the trail is cut into the side of the mountain - and you will not start hitting wash crossings until your descent is complete.

The great thing about Rainbow Valley Trail is it that nothing is too rough, which is not the norm for a trail cut into the side of a mountain like this one. There are no drops or rock gardens to maneuver over, and it will give experienced riders a chance to push themselves on the uphills but new riders a chance to get some good sustained climbing in on a non technical terrain.

While descending south you will catch views of the custom homes nestled up against the mountains along Estrella Parkway, the Estrella Star Tower, the Buckeye Hills in the distance to the west, and the Maricopa mountains to the south. Take it all in as you wind down the mountain side.

When the trail flattens out again you will soon be at the intersection of Rainbow Valley Trail and Dysart Trail. Here you essentially have three options. One would be to continue up Rainbow to the south - a grueling semi-technical climb. Next would be to take a left on Dysart and head back towards the rodeo arena. Lastly would be to turn around and ride the Rainbow backwards (clockwise) - climbing the descent you just completed and descending on the other side!

To ride Rainbow Valley Trail clockwise to begin with - take the Toothaker Trail south from the rodeo arena to Dysart Trail. Take Dysart west to the intersection with Rainbow and make a right hand (north) turn to start the ride up the mountainside.

Off of the Rainbow Valley Trail there is another additional mile or so of riding and a good climb consider descending the Quail Trail that runs off of Rainbow on the west side of the trail. The quick fun descent will bring you to Saddle Trail which is the climb back up. It meets with the Baseline Trail and will allow you to eventually continue on Rainbow any way you choose.

Toothaker Trail

I like to think about Toothaker Trail as a connector between the north part and the south part of the park. I also like to think about Toothaker as one of the most fun trails in the valley. It runs from the rodeo arena in the north to the junction with Pederson just below the quartz rock saddle in the south.

The southern part of Toothaker is probably best ridden from south to north due to technical factors in the trail. When coming in from the Foothills Park entrance Toothaker is an incredibly fun way to get to the rodeo arena and hook up with other trails. Start by coming down Pederson from the quartz rock saddle and look for Toothaker on your left hand side.

Take the trail and you will immediately encounter a climb (with at least one false saddle) that will take you up to the top of the trail. Personally I only make it up this ascent about 25% of the time, so be prepared for a short bout of Hike A Bike (HAB) to get you to the top. I will mention that many friends of mine consistently do not dab on this trail. Once at the top get ready for an awesomely fun, techy descent. With some minor rock drops, baby heads littering the trail, and uneven staircase type features be sure to open your fork and control your speed. There are some twists around palo verde trees and cactus waiting to poke you if you brush too close. It is the type of downhill that really puts a smile on your face. Chunky, fast, and fun.

At the bottom of this descent there is a junction with Rainbow Valley Trail (south of Dysart.) Taking this trail will give you an additional climb and descent to be reviewed later. Continuing on Toothaker itself will take you around the mountain back to the rodeo arena, but still offer a challenge when dropping in and out of some petty steep washes.

Traveling north to south on Toothaker there is likely to be some HAB going up the descent that was just described. But who knows, maybe you have the legs to make it, and factoring in Toothaker from north to south just might work for the particular loop that you are planning to ride.

Rainbow Valley Trail (section south of Dysart Trail)

South of the Dysart Trail the Rainbow Valley Trail continues to offer some great riding options in both directions.

From south to north Rainbow starts at the junction with Toothaker. Choosing to climb up and over this hill has makes you earn it, but the reward is great. From Toothaker the ascent starts right away. Once your legs really start pushing you hit a loose area. Do everything you can to push through it - putting a foot down at this point makes for a hard uphill start in order to continue. After the loose section you continue to climb a few more yards to a steep but mellow switchback, wide enough for a 29er to get around with ease - if you are in the right gear. After the switchback the grade flattens out a bit (but not all the way) until you get to the top.

The descent starts with a flowly downhill for abut a quarter mile, then turns a corner and becomes steeper. (This corner serves as a false saddle when climbing up the other way.) Look for a downed Saguro that has been cut and moved from the trail. Near the bottom of the rocky, fast, makes you grin descent take it easy going through a rutted wash crossing. Getting your wheel stuck in the rut at speed could likely cause a quick flight over the bars! Continue through the wash to the junction with Dysart Trail - which turning right (east) will take you back to Toothaker to go to the rodeo grounds or continue on the north part of Rainbow described earlier. 

Riding this part of Rainbow north to south offers a challenging climb for experienced riders - and even some HAB if your legs are not having the best of days. I have ridden up this trail numerous times but am still tricked by the false saddle mentioned earlier. The climb, however, mellows out a bit after the false saddle and there is not much further to push until you reach the top. Riding this way offers you the option at the bottom to ride Toothaker in either direction - back towards the rodeo grounds or south towards Pederson trail up the grueling climb described earlier.

Coachwhip Trail
(coming soon. one of my Favorite Trails in the park. Fantastic climb and descent, fun to ride in both directions.)

Butterfield Trail

I do not have the ride experience on this trail to write a meaningful review. I have ridden it several times and can say that it most likely incudes HAB for even the strongest of riders. I will get out and ride it again soon so I can write about the trail experience.

  

Brethren Court

In the Western Foothills of the Estrella Mountains there is a gathering place where many stories have been shared. The location is part of a system of Pirate Trails so only explore if you dare.

Away from the mellow trails of FINS, above the city lights, this place serves as a resting place on many Thursday Nights.

There is no need to lay your ride on the desert floor. Place your bike on the rack by itself, or next to many more. 

Directions to this awesome place should not be written down, because the location likely has some buried treasure waiting to be found. 

Arizona Endurance Series (AES) McDowell

AES McDowell

My first "Endurance" Race

December 6, 2014

The original plan was to do the 60 mile ride. I had a light on my bike and a helmet light in my bag, and was planning for the long haul. I knew Browns Ranch was not so hard of a spin.

Starting up the Desert Park trail my mind started to change. The group took off fast, and I did not expect that much of a climb. That much rocks to roll over. That pace! I persevered and kept pushing until the Tom's Thumb trail. 

At the base I found myself just a few yards behind John Shilling - who I knew was riding the 60. I thought, great - maybe I won't have to roll alone. Wrong. The HAB (Hike a Bike) skills that guy has are amazing, and soon he was out of view. I turned around and saw Cory and Dennis coming up the mountain about 1/4 mile behind me. I decided to eat breakfast and wait for them to catch up. 

The trek to the top was fun with friends. Legs were sore already. The soil was wet and rocks were moist, causing me to slip numerous times due to my worn soles and exposed cleats. We felt like we were above the clouds, the temperature dropped, and the first sense of accomplishment of the day started to sink in. We made it to the top!

 

The decent started behind a group of 60 hikers. We chatted with a few and all were nice. I rolled down switchbacks that I did not think I would do in a million years when I first saw them on my hike the weekend before, without even getting my tool out to drop the seat. It was a fantastic time! 

At the bottom Cory and Dennis pealed off for the 30 mile route and I decided I would continue on with TacoBeer on the 60. We took a quick wrong turn - taco's story of the day - and had to go up a small hill on 128th street. My legs felt it, knowing that Taco is a faster rider than me I decided to throw in the towel and do the 30 instead of getting in over my head. Off to catch Cory and Dennis I went. I lose motivation when riding alone so my game plan was to always be attached to at least 1 other rider. 

The decent towards Pemberton was a blur. Fast and fun. The decent down Pemberton was even better! I made sure to give props and encouragement to the few runners I passed, wow - impressive! 

Once I turned on Coachwhip I could see Cory and Dennis up ahead again, and then my chain broke. The derailuer cable got stuck in the cage somehow, breaking my chain inside it. It took a while to get the bent link out. I was passed by many during the process and found myself alone again. I got a master link in (finally) and kept rolling, trying to go at a good clip to catch back up to others.

I got to the Sonoran trail and started the agonizing uphill trek. Again I was able to get close enough to Cory and Dennis to see them up ahead, and then I hit a wall. My legs would not pedal anymore, even when shifted into my 42t dinner plate cog. I got off and did some HAB up the Sonoran trail, wondering a little less why there were so many rescue pads! The tight single track was beautiful. I stopped to take a few pics. 

The Western loop trail was surprisingly hard - that's all I will say there, but again the sense of accomplishment at the top was similar to that of being up at Toms Thumb.

 

Then came the sunrise decent. Very few hikers, fork fully open, I let loose and just went. Wow, good times! One of the best things about this even was experiencing stellar trails like this that I don't have other opportunities to ride, being busy and living on the West Side.

On Lost Dog I caught up to some others - MTBPilot on his 29 plus - and another nice guy in a DrunkCyclist jersey. (If you are on MTBR and read this, thank you.)

We pushed each other and worked together up the jeep road climb and down Quartz to the finish, to conclude and absolutely amazing day on the Mountain Bike. 

Thank you to everyone I spoke with on the trails and shared stories with in the parking lot after the ride over a few cold ones. This was my first AES event and I will be back for more! 

30.3 miles

5065 feet of climbing

Elapsed time of 6 hours, 4 minutes