DESTINATION Rum Runner Trail - Estrella Foothills 1 Photoset
2024-03-08 | |
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| Hiking | 5.27 Miles |
99 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.27 Miles | 1 Hour 48 Mns | | 2.93 mph |
| 99 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Midday hike in the Estrella Foothills. Got to the Estrella Foothills Community Park around 3pm. The plan was to hike in on Park Ave, do Rum Runner and then do some exploring of the area. There are numerous trails in this area, many of them unsigned. And unfortunately the number of unsigned trails are growing.
From the TH, I followed the road to where Park Ave turns off and becomes a single track (.16 miles). The carsonite marker indicating this turn had been torn down.  Deliberate force had to be used to destroy this marker. They are not easy to tear. I was able to find the marker and prop it up, but it is at best a short term solution. I continued on Park Ave to the beginning of Rum Runner and was happy to see the trail marker still standing. However, following Rum Runner to its end, I was met with more destruction! The carsonite marker at this nexus (which gave directions for 4 different trails) was also torn down. In addition some very unique trail creations were destroyed. ](https://hikearizona.com/dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall") I was able to prop up the trail sign (temporary at best), but the hard work of someone’s creative expressions are destroyed.
Why would someone do that! The trails in this area are fantastic in their own right. BUT, the character and uniqueness that goes along with some of these trails makes them that much more special. Because of the creativity, I had come to think of this area as the Cave Creek of the west (valley).
From the nexus I followed the JR (Jolly Roger) for .15 miles before following a user trail that heads to the east. This track went for about .25 miles before ending at a road that went up the side of hill. Followed the road to the top to discover that this has been dubbed “Tortuga Island”. Another creative person had put in a lot of work “routering” the sign. I then followed another unnamed trail that wrapped around the hill and took off to the east. Very nice single track. I don’t believe it is an official part of the trail system, but some one put in some work in creating it. There are two wash crossings. One is bedded with stone work for the crossing and the other has new drain pipes laid that act as a bridge crossing. This use trail eventually ties back into the Jolly Roger. I took the Jolly Roger back west to where it met the dual track (road) and then followed the road to the Stargate and took that back to the TH.
Nice hike. Really enjoy this area. Saddened by the wanton destruction. Quail and prairie dogs abounded. Saw 6 prairie dogs! 1 hiker and 10 bikers. On two different occasions I saw dads riding with their children. The kids ranged from 5-10. Cute! I didn’t know they made mountain bikes that small.  |
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