| Estrella Mountains | |
|---|---|
| Sierra Estrella | |
 Quartz Peak in 2014 | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Hayes Peak |
| Elevation | 4,512 ft (1,375 m) |
| Listing | Mountain ranges of Arizona |
| Coordinates | 33°16′25″N112°16′51″W / 33.27361°N 112.28083°W /33.27361; -112.28083 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 20 mi (32 km) NW-SE |
| Width | 5 mi (8.0 km) |
| Naming | |
| Etymology | Estrella Mountains,Spanish for Montañas Estrella |
| Native name | Komaḍk (O'odham) |
| Geography | |
  Estrella Mountains Sierra Estrella inArizona | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| Regions |
|
| County | Maricopa |
| Settlements | |
TheEstrella Mountains or TheSierra Estrella (O'odham:Komaḍk,Maricopa:Vii Lyxa,Yavapai:Wi:kchasa) is amountain range located southwest ofPhoenix, Arizona. Much of the range falls within theGila River Indian Reservation, but 14,400 acres (5,800 ha) ofBLM land is protected as theSierra Estrella Wilderness, and is also located nearGoodyear, Arizona
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]
The Sierra Estrellas were inhabited by theAkimel O'odham people and also someYavapai bands at the north end of the range at the time of Spanish colonization, and today the mountains tower over several of theAkimel O'odham andMaricopa villages of theGila River Indian Community. There are petroglyphs throughout the Southern portion of the range. In the colonial era, they were part of the land claimed asNew Spain. Occasionally Spanish explorers or priests, most notablyFather Kino, would venture near the range to document the area and contact the Akimel O'odham. On his return from the Colorado River in March 1699, Kino climbed a pass through the Sierra Estrellas and saw the Río Salado and Río Verde that he drew on his maps.[2]
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, theBattle of Pima Butte was fought in the area of the mountains. The alliedYuma,Mohave,Yavapai and Apache peoples attacked theMaricopa village ofSecate. The Maricopa and their allies, theAkimel O'odham, defeated the attackers, leaving approximately 200 of them dead or wounded. It is notable for being the last major battle fought solely betweenindigenous Americans inNorth America.
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]
The major peaks of the Sierra Estrella are (NW to SE):
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.
