• COVID-19 Park and Trail Closures
  • Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
  • Shop
  •  

SoCal Hiker

  • Find a Hiking Trail
    • All Areas
    • Arizona
    • Colorado
    • Los Angeles
    • Orange County
    • Oregon
    • San Francisco Bay
    • Washington
  • Trail Guides
  • Six-Pack of Peaks
    • Colorado Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Bergen Peak
      • Rocky Mountain
      • Birthday Peak
      • Horseshoe Mountain
      • Grays Peak
    • New England Six-Pack of Peaks
    • NorCal Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Mount Umunhum
      • Mount Saint Helena
      • Mount Tamalpais
      • Mount Diablo
      • Mount Sizer
      • Rose Peak
    • Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Tumalo Mountain
      • Black Butte
      • Black Crater
      • Maiden Peak
      • Mount Bachelor
      • South Sister
    • SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Mt. Wilson
      • Cucamonga Peak
      • Mt. San Antonio (Mt Baldy)
      • San Bernardino Peak
      • San Jacinto Peak
      • San Gorgonio
  • Backpacking
    • High Sierra Trail
    • John Muir Trail
      • Overview of the John Muir Trail
      • Training
      • Day-by-Day Itinerary
      • Resupply Addresses
      • JMT Discussion Forum
    • Lost Coast Trail
    • North/South Lake Loop
    • Rae Lakes Loop
    • Red Peak Pass Loop
    • Theodore Solomons Trail
    • Trans-Catalina Trail
    • Wonderland Trail
  • Gear
  • Forums
    • Latest Topics
    • Ask a Question
    • Campfire
    • Trails
    • Trail Reports
    • Gear Wisdom
    • Classifieds
  • Login

Hiking Quartz Peak in the Sierra Estrella Wilderness

September 28, 2021 By Richard Oppelaar Leave a Comment

Hiking Quartz Peak

One of the highest points in the Sierra Estrella Wilderness, Quartz Peak offers spectacular views from atop a unique summit block made of white quartz. This challenging trail has beautiful vistas of the Rainbow Valley as it climbs a rugged ridge from the valley floor to the crest of the Sierra Estrella.

Getting to the Trailhead

img
Trail Details
Summit Elevation: 4,052′
Distance: 6 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 2,400 ft
Dogs: Yes, but may struggle with last quarter mile
When to go: Fall, Winter, Spring
The drive to this trailhead can be challenging. If you are not comfortable driving on unmaintained dirt roads, please do not attempt. Two wheel drive vehicles without high ground clearance regularly make it to this trailhead, but higher clearance does make it safer and easier. I also suggest driving the dirt road section in daylight.

From Phoenix take the I-10 to Exit 124B for AZ-303 Loop S and continue South on S Cotton Tail Ln. When you come to a traffic circle, take the first exit onto Estrella Parkway. Go 4 miles to W Willis Rd and make a right. Go 1.4 miles and make a left onto S Rainbow Valley Rd., and after 5 miles turn left onto W Riggs Rd.

Start of dirt road
33.217738,-112.375200 (coordinates for start of dirt road)
Turn left here
Turn left here
Parking area
Parking area

After 4 miles on W Riggs Rd. it will “t” into S. Bullard Ave. Go right onto S. Bullard Ave. and make an immediate left onto the dirt road that follows the powerlines (still considered W Riggs Rd.).

Continue on the sandy dirt road following the “TRAIL” signs east for 5.5 miles to Powerline Rd. and make a right. Go another 2 miles then turn left at the “TRAIL” sign pointing you in that direction.

Go just 2 more miles and you’ll dead-end into the trailhead parking area. There is a pit toilet, but no running water at the trailhead.

Hiking Quartz Peak

From the parking area head northeast up the trail. You’ll pass an information stand and trail register where you can sign in and out. Follow the flat trail marked by cow pies and cairns for about a quarter mile, then it will turn left towards the base of the ridge on your left.

Trail information

At 0.6 mile you’ll reach the top of the first ridge, and at 1.0 mile the second ridge. As the trail climbs it alternates between following the crest of the ridge, and dropping slightly side to side, lacing from notch to notch.

Lacing the ridges
Follow the trail

At mile 1.8 the trail becomes more rugged and a little harder to follow, then hits a couple switchbacks and gains the final ridge at mile 2. From here the trail hangs on the left side of the ridge until mile 2.3 where it pops back on top.

At the 2.5 mile mark the trail diminishes, becoming more rocky and slow. You should see some cairns to guide you to the left side of the ridge, then back to the center, then to the right, then centered again where the trail becomes more prominent at mile 2.7.

Summit blocks in sight
Watch for cairns
Scramble to the summit

The clear path does not last. Stay near the crest of the ridge for the final quarter mile to the top. When you get near the summit there are two apparent summit blocks – Quartz is on the left. Complete the final scramble and you are there!

At the top you will be greeted by the biggest chunk of white quartz you’ve ever seen and truly appreciate the name of this peak. To the north is Phoenix, to the west is Little Rainbow Valley and to the east is the Gila River Reservation.

When you are done enjoying the views, return back down the way you came.

Quartz Peak Trail Map & Elevation Profile

© OpenStreetMap contributors
Download file: Quartz_Peak_AZ_Hike.gpx

Driving Directions to the Trailhead

© OpenStreetMap contributors
Download file: Quartz_Peak_Drive_to_Trailhead.gpx

Quartz Peak Hiking Resources

  • Bureau of Land Management’s web page with trail info.
  • Bring plenty of water, as none is available at the trailhead.
  • Carry the 10 Essentials.
  • Pack it in. Pack it out. Follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.

Arizona Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge – Winter Edition

Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge SeriesThis hike is part of the Arizona Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge – Winter Edition. This self-paced hiking challenge includes six hikes all easily reached from the Phoenix and Tucson area. They are a great way to explore the area, train for bigger adventures, and you’ll be doing good, with a portion of the net proceeds going to support Big City Mountaineers.

The winter challenge runs between November 1st and April 30th.  Be sure to check out the summer challenge, too!

 

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 6-8 miles, Arizona, dog-friendly, peakbagging, Quartz Peak, Sierra Estrella Wilderness, Six-Pack of Peaks, strenuous

Like what you found here at SoCal Hiker? This site is a labor of love. Share your support for the site and help us development of new trail guides and expanded coverage -- make your next outdoor equipment purchase through our advertisers.

You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Richard O

About Richard Oppelaar

To me, hiking is a way to see the country in ways many people don’t. Road trips and collecting high points are my main motive. I grew up in New Jersey, discovered hiking while living in North Carolina, and have been based in Southern California since 2012. I love everything from hiking well maintained, popular trails in the Southwest to mountaineering less accessible peaks. My day job is teaching at a school where I’m lucky enough to have a small hiking club for students who I take on small excursions once a month.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About SoCal Hiker

Jeff on Mount Rainier

I created SoCal Hiker while preparing to thru-hike the John Muir Trail. My goal? Create guides for the best hiking and backpacking trails with enough detail to make it an enjoyable experience for you. And while I started with trails in Southern California, I’ve expanded across the west. We hike each trail to create these guides, sharing practical advice on gear and outdoor skills. Read more…

Connect with SoCal Hiker

  • 22,158 Fans
  • 12,080 Followers
  • 21,640 Followers
  • 1,713 Followers
  • 5,320 Subscribers
  • 337 Subscribers
SoCalHiker was selected one of USA TODAY's 10 Best Hiking and Outdoor Blogs
Get our day-by-day guide to thru-hiking the John Muir Trail
Get up-to-day wildfire status throughout California

Products

  • 2017 Six-Pack of Peaks Sticker 2017 Six-Pack of Peaks Sticker $3.00
  • Cucamonga Peak mug Cucamonga Peak Mug $15.95
  • Mt San Gorgonio Mug San Gorgonio Mug $15.95
  • Come to the woods, for here is rest. - John Muir Come to the Woods Poster $13.00 – $16.00

Sponsors

Sponsor SoCalHiker and see your banner here

Featured Posts

Hiking Turtlehead Peak from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Turtlehead Peak is a great way to get that big picture view of Red Rock Canyon … [Read More...]

Maiden Peak via the Maiden Lake Trailhead

Maiden Peak sits on the Cascade crest, straddling the Willamette and Deschutes … [Read More...]

Hiking Black Butte from the Lower Trailhead

Black Butte is an iconic mountain that stands alone, prominent and proud. The 6,436' … [Read More...]

Lastest Comments

  • edi consultants on Lost Coast Trail: Sea Lion Gulch to Spanish Flat
  • Lindsa on Hiking South Sister
  • Yvonne on Hiking Mitchell Canyon to Mount Diablo
  • Jeff H on Hiking Black Butte from the Lower Trailhead
  • Ron Weber on Hiking Black Butte from the Lower Trailhead
Get your SoCalHiker stickers now

Get your SoCalHiker stickers!

Latest Posts

  • Hiking Turtlehead Peak from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area July 15, 2022
  • Maiden Peak via the Maiden Lake Trailhead July 14, 2022
  • Hiking Black Butte from the Lower Trailhead May 24, 2022
  • Hiking Monserate Mountain May 6, 2022
  • Hiking Sutton Mountain April 25, 2022

Recent Forum Topics

  • Overnight Hike in Mammoth Lakes/ June Loop area
  • All about permits for newcomers
  • 1st overnight backpack trip with my son
  • JMT NOBO from Red Cones to Happy isles – how many days?
  • Early Spring SoCal Backpacking

The Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series

Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge SeriesThe Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series gives you an opportunity to explore your world while supporting a great cause. There are eleven challenges around the country. Hike or run them at your own schedule.

Flex your adventure muscles!

Learn more here.

 

Search

Tags

3-6 miles 6-8 miles 8-10 miles 11+ miles Arizona Backpacking coastal dog-friendly easy family-friendly High Sierra Trail hiking Hiking The John Muir Trail hipster inspiration JMT John Muir John Muir Trail Kings Canyon National Park LA County moderate Mount Rainier National Park Muir Monday National Forest National Park Orange County Oregon out of bounds Pacific Crest Trail peak peakbagging quote scenic Sierra Nevada Six-Pack of Peaks State Park strenuous Thru-hiking Utah vista Washington waterfall wilderness Wonderland Trail Yosemite

Copyright © 2022 SoCalHiker.net · Metro Theme on Genesis Framework with WPEngine Hosting · Contact SoCal Hiker · Sitemap · Privacy Policy

 

Loading Comments...