Epic Views and Challenging Terrain: Hiking Quartz Peak in Arizona

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If you’re looking to hike a trail south of the Greater Phoenix area and you’re considering a more challenging trail, I would highly suggest the Quartz Peak Trail at the Sierra Estrella Mountains.  

Knowing that we had an extended weekend with a holiday on Monday, the family and I decided to adventure through a “tough” hike.  Just a week earlier, my daughter and I hiked the Barry Goldwater Peak (4081’) Trail at the White Tank Mountains.  With that hike behind us, we decided to increase our heart rate, decrease the distance while maintaining the 4000’ level of elevation with the Quartz Peak Trail (4052’). 

How long is the Quartz Peak Trail?

The Quartz Peak trail is 5.6 miles long, but it feels MUCH longer. 

I use a few health trackers for most of my hikes.  I always use an Apple Watch and just started using a Whoop Strap to track health stats.  I also use the AllTrails App to guide me and keep me on the trail. 

• The Whoop Strap tracked this hike at 5.3 miles
• The AllTrails App states the trail is 5.6 miles
• My Apple Watch tracked over 7.5 miles

The Quartz Peak Trail within the Sierra Estrella Wilderness was breathtaking and one of my favorite hikes to date. We were not prepared, however, for the drive getting to the trailhead, so let me share a few pointers.

How To Get To The Quartz Peak Trailhead

I used the AllTrails navigation link which uses Apple Maps to get us to the trailhead.  Whatever you do, DO NOT rely on Google Maps directions to get here.  There are multiple reports of people being led to a closed and locked gate that is unsurpassable if you follow Google Maps directions.

Directions From Loop 303 South

Here’s how we got to the trailhead coming from the Surprise/ Waddell area:

• Take Loop 303 South
• Continue onto South Cotton Lane 
• Keep right South Estrella Parkway
• Turn Left onto West Willis Road
• Turn left onto South Rainbow Valley Road
• Turn left onto West Riggs Road
• Turn right onto South Bullard Ave for just a second and then
• Turn left back onto West Riggs Road (start of dirt road)

Directions From I-10

If you’re coming from the I-10, you’ll…

• Take Exit 126 and head South on Estrella Parkway to Elliot Road. 
• Turn right on Elliot Road and go west on Rainbow Valley Road
• Turn left onto West Riggs Road
• Turn right onto South Bullard Ave for just a second and then
• Turn left back onto West Riggs Road (start of dirt road)

Beware of the Unnamed dirt road!

Here’s where things get a little interesting.  The final stretch of the 9.3-mile road trip will be spent on a pretty janky dirt road. 

Because the dirt road is narrow, washed out, and very sandy a 4-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended to get to the trailhead (although we made it in a pretty standard Hyundai SUV).  

For us, the ride was extremely bumpy and several cactus plants scratched the sides of our vehicle. There was also one dip in the road that was particularly nerve-racking; it was so washed out that it looked like a massive sand dune.

If you’re planning to hike the Quartz Peak Trail during the months of monsoon season, this dirt road may not be drivable as it can be washed out completely by flash floods. Make sure to check the weather and the road conditions before making the trek to the trailhead.

What’s the parking like at the trailhead?

At the end of the dirt road, you’ll see trail signs and drive into a little parking lot. The entrance to the parking lot is not very wide so be sure not to block the entrance.

You may even see a few wild cows or other wildlife on your drive-in!  We saw about 5 cows who were equally as surprised to see us as were them. 

Are There Restrooms At The Trailhead?

There is a single stall outhouse restroom in case you need to go to the bathroom before the hike starts. When we went, the restroom did NOT have toilet paper or hand sanitizer, so be sure to bring your own!

You may need to use the restroom on the trail as well, so I’d recommend packing some wet wipes or toilet paper and doggy poop bags in your hiking backpack just in case.

What To Expect On The Hike

Once you’re ready to start hiking, you’ll walk close to a half-mile to get to the base of the mountain.  Once you start your incline, it will be a constant uphill climb in order to get to Quartz Peak. 

This constant incline paired with the rocky terrain is what gives this hike its difficult rating.  

Though this is a more challenging hike, the desert scenery and natural white quartz and mica crystals make it all worthwhile. Just look at these views… they’re breathtaking!

Once you make it to the top of the first ridge, the rest of the trail is essentially hiking from ridge top to ridge top until eventually, you reach the Quartz Peak.  

At around the 2-mile mark, you’ll be able to see the Quartz covered peak of the hike.  Following the trail becomes a little trickier here, as well, as you have to scramble over a few large boulders.  Once you make it over these boulders you should be able to find the trail again pretty easily. 

What To Expect At The Peak

Once you make it to the peak, you’ll be rewarded with tremendous views, which are some of the best I have ever seen of the Greater Phoenix area. 

• To your southeast, you’ll see Montezuma Peak which is just a mere 302 feet above you. 
• On a clear day, you can see the Four Peaks to the East, the Bradshaw Mountains to the North, and the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station to the west. 
• Also on the west side, you’re able to see gorgeous views of the Sonoran Desert.  

Overall, the oversized quartz rocks make the mountain.  They’re cool to the touch no matter the outside temperature. 

Both the quartz and mica are extremely fascinating to look at, and again, I think the amount of time you spend gazing at these amazing stones makes you feel like the hike is longer than it is.  

We started our hike at 7:26 am and finished at 1:24 pm.  The last 2 hours felt hot for sure, even on a day with a high of 71 degrees.

I got a little bit of sunburn on my face, so definitely pack your sunscreen.  

I can’t recommend this hike enough.  The views of the Greater Phoenix area were breathtaking.  Regarding the drive to the trailhead, again, you’ll feel more comfortable in a 4-wheel drive vehicle, but you won’t regret the decision to hike the Quartz Peak Trail.

Go Hike Arizona!