Estrella Mountain Regional Park
Estrella Mountain Regional Park was the first park in the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department. Located near the meeting of the Gila and Agua Fria Rivers in the southwest Valley, the park includes seasonal wetland or riparian area during our winter and monsoon rains, but the majority of the park contains nearly pristine upland desert in the foothills of the Sierra Estrella (“Star Mountains”). Hiking trails in the park are good for viewing common desert birds. The main section of the park near the entrance features many tall trees and a mesquite bosque in the southeast corner, adjacent to a 65-acre grass picnic area and open space. These trees and bosque are excellent in migration for songbirds and have hosted rarities like Greater Pewee, Eastern Bluebird, and Golden-crowned Sparrow. Vermilion Flycatchers are here year-round and in winter, one may find a Gray or Ash-throated Flycatcher here. Water birds including ducks, herons, ibises, and cormorants can be seen flying over the Gila River wetlands, especially early and late in the day.
El Rio Research Area is north of Vineyard along the Gila River. Trails that lead to the river for a short distance are good for viewing a variety of water and shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. A Tricolored Heron once spent two months at this location.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: Take Estrella Parkway (exit 126) 5.3 miles south of Interstate-10. Cross the bridge over the Gila River and turn left (east) onto Vineyard Avenue. Drive 0.5 miles to the entrance of Estrella Park at Casey Abbot Drive on the right (south) side of Vineyard. El Rio Research Area is 0.5 miles farther east on the left (north) side of Vineyard, just past S. Bullard Avenue. Turn left at the second entrance to the parking lot.
Latitude: 33.384422
Longitude: -112.382358
Operational Hours: Other
Other Operational Hours: May 1 to October 31: 5 am-9 pm daily. November 1 to April 30: 6 am-8 pm daily.
Admission or Fees: $7 per vehicle. Maricopa County Parks annual passes also accepted.
Best time to visit: September-April, or early mornings from May-August.
Habitats: Desert, Marsh or Wetland, Urban or Suburban park
Know Before You Go
The paved paths around the grass open space, mesquite bosques, and Nature Center are all handicapped accessible. The hiking trails into the desert mountain area of the park are not wheelchair-accessible. A limited number of RV sites are available for camping, but currently primitive camping is not available.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Abert’s Towhee, Costa’s Hummingbird, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Lucy’s Warbler
Charismatic: Curve-billed Thrasher, Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpecker, Lesser Nighthawk, Phainopepla, Vermilion Flycatcher
Contact Information
Estrella Mountain Regional Park
Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department
14805 W. Vineyard Ave
Goodyear, AZ 85338
Phone: 602-506-2930 ext. 6
Website: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/estrella-mountain-regional-park/
Email: maricopacountyparks@maricopa.gov
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L284334
Additional Resources:
eBird - El Rio Research Area
Park Trails
Birding El Rio Research Area
