Sierra Estrella
Estrella Mountains | |
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Estrella Mountains | |
O'odham) | |
Geography | |
Sierra Estrella in Arizona | |
Country | United States |
State | Arizona |
Region |
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County | Maricopa |
Settlement |
The Estrella Mountains or The Sierra Estrella (
Description
On the highest peaks, temperatures are usually 8–12 degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler than in the valley. Snow can be seen at least once or twice a year on the highest points of the mountain range (typically above 4,000 ft). Sometimes, the snow level can drop near 2,000 ft (610 m), but depends if the precipitation reaches the mountain range. A good example is during the month of March 2006, when a heavy storm system reached the state and lowered snow levels near 4,000 ft (1,200 m). Once the skies cleared next morning, snow covered the Estrella's mountain tops.
Estrella Mountain Regional park occupies 19,840 acres (8,030 ha) in the northern portion of the range. The park offers multi-use trails including a competitive loop for running and mountain biking. Equestrian use is permitted. The park has parking and a riding arena.[1]
History
The Sierra Estrellas were inhabited by the
In 1810, Mexico declared independence from Spain, and the Sierra Estrellas went on to become part of Mexico. In 1827, a French fur trapping expedition led by Michel Robidoux was attacked by Indians and survivors escaped into the Sierra Estrella mountains.[3] In 1853, the United States acquired the Estrellas from Mexico as part of the Gadsden purchase.[1] It soon became part of a trade route for settlers in California known as the Butterfield Overland stage. People and equipment could be moved across the area much quicker. The route was massively successful in its time, moving millions of dollars in supplies. However, it was short-lived. Steam locomotives soon replaced stage coaches across the United States, and the Butterfield Stage Route was no longer utilized.[4]
In 1857, the
Access
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are required to approach the wilderness boundary. Only the western boundary of the wilderness is accessible to the public; elsewhere the wilderness is bounded by the Gila River Indian Reservation.[5]
Peaks
The major peaks of the Sierra Estrella are (NW to SE):
- Hayes Peak, 4,512 feet (1,375 m), named in honor of Pima Nation
- Montezuma Sleeping
- Butterfly Mountain, 4,119 feet (1,255 m)[6]
- Quartz Peak, 4,052 feet (1,235 m)[7] (usually obscured by Butterfly Mountain when viewed from the east)
- Montezuma Peak, 4,337 feet (1,322 m)[8]
- Montezuma Head
The names of the peaks can vary by map. For example, Google Maps lists Hayes Peak as Sierra Estrella High Point and does not name any other peak.
See also
- List of Arizona Wilderness Areas
References
- ^ a b Estrella Mountain Regional Park Archived 2002-06-01 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Rim of Christendom by Herbert E. Bolton. p. 422
- ^ Batman, Richard (1984). American Ecclesiastes. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. pp. 167–170.
- ^ Handbook to Arizona, by Richard J. Hinton
- ^ BLM Sierra Estrella Wilderness
- ^ Arizona Road & Recreation Atlas, p. 46-47.
- ^ BLM Quartz Peak Trail
- ^ Todd's Hiking Guide
External links
- Estrella Mountain Regional Park Trails at HikeArizona.COM