Location and Description
This 14,400-acre wilderness, located just 15 miles southwest of Phoenix, contains one of the most rugged mountain ranges in Arizona. The knife-edged ridgelines, steep slopes and rough rocky canyons provide challenges for hikers, backpackers, climbers and hunters. Butterfly Mountain rises 2,600 feet above the desert plain to an elevation of 4,119 feet in only two miles. The Quartz Peak Trail takes you to the summit of the Sierra Estrella.
The extreme elevation differences have cause diverse plant and animal communities. Plants in lower areas include saguaro and cholla, ocotillo, palverde, and elephant bush. Small protected sites on top of the mountains have shrub-live oak and even juniper. A remnant herd of desert bighorn sheep roam the mountains and Gila monster, desert tortoise, mountain lion, mule deer, coyote, javelina, giant spotted whiptail lizard, golden eagle, prairie falcon and Cooper's hawk also inhabit the wilderness.
Access
Although distinguished as one of the closest wilderness areas to metropolitan Phoenix, four-wheel-drive vehicles are required to approach the wilderness boundary. Primitive dirt roads near the wilderness boundary are extremely sandy or silty, and wash crossings are rugged and deep. Only the western boundary of the wilderness is accessible to the public; elsewhere the area is bounded by the Gila River Indian Reservation. Take Interstate 10 to exit 121 and travel south to reach the Rainbow Valley Road and Riggs Road. Unmaintained dirt roads extend eastward to the wilderness boundary from here. Click here and scroll below the description of the Quartz Peak Trail to see an access map to the Sierra Estrella Wilderness.
Nonfederal Lands
Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.
Topographic Maps
7.5-minute: Montezuma Peak, Mobile NE
Game and Fish Management Unit 39
For more information contact:
Bureau of Land Management
Phoenix Field Office
21605 N. 7th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85027-2099
(623) 580-5500
Information from
U.S. Bureau of Land Management,
Office of Public Affairs
