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Coordinates: 33°16′25″N 112°16′51″W / 33.27361°N 112.28083°W / 33.27361; -112.28083
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{{Short description|Landform in Maricopa County, Arizona}}
{{Infobox mountain range
{{Infobox mountain
| name = Sierra Estrella
| name = Estrella Mountains
| native_name = Komaḍk
| native_name = {{native name|ood|Komaḍk}}
| other_name = Estrella Mountains
| other_name = Estrella Mountains
| etymology = ''sierra estrella'', [[Spanish Language|Spanish]] for Star Range
| etymology = ''Estrella Mountains'', [[Spanish Language|Spanish]] for Montañas Estrella
| photo = Quartzpeak022014.JPG
| photo = Quartzpeak022014.JPG
| photo_caption = Quartz Peak in 2014
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| highest = [[Hayes Peak (Arizona)|Hayes Peak]]
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| elevation_ft = 4512
| elevation_ref=
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| coordinates = {{coord|33|16|25|N|112|16|51|W|type:mountain|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_ref=
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| listing = [[List of mountain ranges of Arizona|Mountain ranges of Arizona]]
| country = United States
| country = United States
| state = Arizona
| state = Arizona
| region_type =
| region =(northern)-[[Sonoran Desert]]<br>('''[[Gila River Valley]]''')
| region ={{ubl|(northern)-[[Sonoran Desert]]|('''[[Gila River Valley]]''')}}
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| district =[[Maricopa County, Arizona]]
| district_type = County
| district =[[Maricopa County, Arizona|Maricopa]]
| border =
| border =
| settlement_type =
| city =[[Komatke, Arizona|Komatke, AZ]]&ndash;[[Laveen, Arizona|Laveen, AZ]]
| settlement = {{hlist|[[Komatke, Arizona|Komatke]]|[[Laveen, Phoenix|Laveen]]}}
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| highest = Hayes Peak (Sierra Estrella)
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| map = USA Arizona
| elevation_m =
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| elevation_ft = 4512
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| coordinates = {{coord|33|16|25|N|112|16|51|W|type:mountain|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
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| map = Arizona
| map_size = 220
| map_size = 220
| map_caption = Sierra Estrella<br> in [[Arizona]]
| map_caption = Sierra Estrella<br/> in [[Arizona]]
| range_coordinates =
| range_coordinates =
| range_coordinates_ref=
| length_mi = 20| length_orientation =NW-SE
| length_mi = 20| length_orientation =NW-SE
| width_mi = 5| width_orientation =
| width_mi = 5| width_orientation =
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}}
}}


The '''Sierra Estrella''' ({{lang-ood|'''Komaḍk'''}}, {{lang-mrc|'''Vii Lyxa'''}}, {{lang-yuf|ya|'''Wi:kchasa'''}}) is a [[mountain range]] located southwest of [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], [[Arizona]]. Much of the range falls within the [[Gila River Indian Reservation]], but {{convert|14400|acre|ha}} of [[Bureau of Land Management|BLM]] land is protected as the '''Sierra Estrella Wilderness'''.
The '''Estrella Mountains''' or The '''Sierra Estrella''' ({{lang-ood|'''Komaḍk'''}}, {{lang-mrc|'''Vii Lyxa'''}}, {{lang-yuf-x-yav|'''Wi:kchasa'''}}) is a [[mountain range]] located southwest of [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], [[Arizona]]. Much of the range falls within the [[Gila River Indian Reservation]], but {{convert|14400|acre|ha}} of [[Bureau of Land Management|BLM]] land is protected as the '''Sierra Estrella Wilderness'''.


==Description==
==Description==
⚫
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&nbsp;ft). Sometimes, the snow level can drop near {{convert|2000|ft|m|abbr=on}}, 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 {{convert|4000|ft|m|abbr=on}}. Once the skies cleared next morning, snow covered the Estrella's mountain tops.


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Estrella Mountain Regional park occupies {{convert|19840|acre|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.<ref name=Park>[http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/estrella/ Estrella Mountain Regional Park] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020601232555/http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/estrella/ |date=2002-06-01 }}</ref>
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On the highest peaks, temperatures are usually 8-12 degrees 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&nbsp;ft). Sometimes, the snow level can drop near {{convert|2000|ft|m|abbr=on}}, 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 {{convert|4000|ft|m|abbr=on}}. Once the skies cleared next morning, snow covered the Estrella's mountain tops.

⚫
Estrella Mountain Regional park occupies {{convert|19840|acre|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.<ref name=Park>[http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/estrella/ Estrella Mountain Regional Park]</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
The Sierra Estrellas were inhabited by the [[Akimel O'odham]] people and also some [[Yavapai people|Yavapai]] bands at the north end of the range at the time of Spanish colonization, and today the mountains tower over several of the [[Akimel O'odham]] and [[Maricopa people|Maricopa]] villages of the [[Gila River Indian Community]]. In the colonial era, they were part of the land claimed as [[New Spain]]. Occasionally Spanish explorers or priests, most notably [[Father Kino]], would venture near the range to document the area and contact the Akimel O'odham. There are petroglyhps throughout the Southern portion of the range.<ref>Cycles of Conquest by Edward H. Spicer</ref>
The Sierra Estrellas were inhabited by the [[Akimel O'odham]] people and also some [[Yavapai people|Yavapai]] bands at the north end of the range at the time of Spanish colonization, and today the mountains tower over several of the [[Akimel O'odham]] and [[Maricopa people|Maricopa]] villages of the [[Gila River Indian Community]]. There are petroglyphs throughout the Southern portion of the range. In the colonial era, they were part of the land claimed as [[New Spain]]. Occasionally Spanish explorers or priests, most notably [[Father 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.<ref>Rim of Christendom by Herbert E. Bolton. p. 422</ref>

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In 1810, Mexico declared its 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 (O'odham?) and survivors escaped into the Sierra Estrella mountains.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Batman|first1=Richard|title=American Ecclesiastes|date=1984|publisher=Harcourt Brace Jovanovich|location=San Diego|page=167-170}}</ref> In 1853, the United States acquired the Estrellas from Mexico as part of the Gadsden purchase.<ref name=Park/> 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 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.<ref>Handbook to Arizona, by Richard J. Hinton</ref>


⚫
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.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Batman|first1=Richard|title=American Ecclesiastes|date=1984|publisher=Harcourt Brace Jovanovich|location=San Diego|pages=167–170}}</ref> In 1853, the United States acquired the Estrellas from Mexico as part of the Gadsden purchase.<ref name=Park/> 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.<ref>Handbook to Arizona, by Richard J. Hinton</ref>
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In 1857, the [[Battle of Pima Butte]] was fought in the area of the mountains. The allied [[Quechan|Yuma]], [[Mohave people|Mohave]], [[Yavapai people|Yavapai]] and Apache peoples attacked the [[Maricopa people|Maricopa]] village of [[Sacate]]. The Maricopa and their allies, the [[Akimel O'odham]], defeated the attackers, leaving approximately 200 of them dead or wounded. It is notable for being the last major battle fought solely between [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|indigenous Americans]] in [[North America]].


⚫
In 1857, the [[Battle of Pima Butte]] was fought in the area of the mountains. The allied [[Quechan|Yuma]], [[Mohave people|Mohave]], [[Yavapai people|Yavapai]] and Apache peoples attacked the [[Maricopa people|Maricopa]] village of [[Secate]]. The Maricopa and their allies, the [[Akimel O'odham]], defeated the attackers, leaving approximately 200 of them dead or wounded. It is notable for being the last major battle fought solely between [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|indigenous Americans]] in [[North America]].
=== Mexican gold ===
{{Peacock|section|date=June 2010}}
Mexican gold is said to be buried in this range, known as [[Montezuma's treasure]]. The legend of Mexican gold in the Estrellas was largely started by John D. Mitchell, a western treasure hunter and author. In his story of Don Joaquin's lost treasure he describes an extensive mine and a stone house in the heart of the Estrellas.<ref name=Mitchell>“Don Joaquin and his Gold Mine,” in Lost Mines and Buried Treasures along the Old Frontier by John D. Mitchell, p. 27-31</ref> To give some credit to the story a stone house does exist along with signs of mining. It is not well known or travelled but several treasure hunters have visited the site.<ref>[http://www.brazilbrazil.com/mine.html The OLD SPANISH GOLD MINE in the SIERRA ESTRELLA MOUNTAINS]</ref>


==Access==
==Access==
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== Peaks ==
== Peaks ==
[[File:Arizona Bushfire Pyrocumulus.jpg|thumb||Fire in the [[Gila River Valley]], southwest of Phoenix, ([[Rainbow Valley (Arizona)|Rainbow Valley]] over peaks of Sierra Estrella)]]
[[File:Arizona Bushfire Pyrocumulus.jpg|thumb|Fire in the [[Gila River Valley]], southwest of Phoenix, ([[Rainbow Valley (Arizona)|Rainbow Valley]] over peaks of Sierra Estrella)]]
The major peaks of the Sierra Estrella are (NW to SE):
The major peaks of the Sierra Estrella are (NW to SE):
* Hayes Peak, {{convert|4512|ft|m|0}}, named in honor of [[Ira Hayes]], [[United States Marine Corps|US Marine]] hero of the [[Pima people|Pima Nation]]
* Hayes Peak, {{convert|4512|ft|m|0}}, named in honor of [[Ira Hayes]], [[United States Marine Corps|US Marine]] hero of the [[Pima people|Pima Nation]]
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==See also==
==See also==

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*[[List of mountain ranges of Arizona]]
*[[List of Arizona Wilderness Areas]]
*[[List of Arizona Wilderness Areas]]


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== External links ==
== External links ==
{{commons category|Sierra Estrella}}
{{commons category|Sierra Estrella}}
* [https://www.blm.gov/visit/sierra-estrella-wilderness Sierra Estrella Wilderness], [[Bureau of Land Management]]
* [http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?X=10 Estrella Mountain Regional Park Trails] at HikeArizona.COM
* [http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?X=10 Estrella Mountain Regional Park Trails] at HikeArizona.COM

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[[Category:Wilderness Areas of Arizona]]
{{Mountains of Arizona}}

{{authority control}}

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[[Category:Wilderness areas of Arizona]]
[[Category:Mountain ranges of the Sonoran Desert]]
[[Category:Mountain ranges of the Sonoran Desert]]
[[Category:Mountain ranges of Maricopa County, Arizona]]
[[Category:Mountain ranges of Maricopa County, Arizona]]
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[[Category:Bureau of Land Management areas in Arizona]]
[[Category:Bureau of Land Management areas in Arizona]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Maricopa County, Arizona]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Maricopa County, Arizona]]
[[Category:Sacred mountains of the Americas]]

Latest revision as of 20:40, 4 July 2024

Estrella Mountains
Estrella Mountains
Quartz Peak in 2014
Highest point
PeakHayes Peak
Elevation4,512 ft (1,375 m)
ListingMountain ranges of Arizona
Coordinates33°16′25″N 112°16′51″W / 33.27361°N 112.28083°W / 33.27361; -112.28083
Dimensions
Length20 mi (32 km) NW-SE
Width5 mi (8.0 km)
Naming
EtymologyEstrella Mountains, Spanish for Montañas Estrella
Native nameKomaḍk (O'odham)
Geography
Estrella Mountains is located in Arizona
Estrella Mountains
Estrella Mountains
Sierra Estrella
in Arizona
CountryUnited States
StateArizona
Region
CountyMaricopa
Settlement

The Estrella Mountains or The Sierra Estrella (O'odham: Komaḍk, Maricopa: Vii Lyxa, Yavapai: Wi:kchasa) is a mountain range located southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. Much of the range falls within the Gila River Indian Reservation, but 14,400 acres (5,800 ha) of BLM land is protected as the Sierra Estrella Wilderness.

Description

[edit]

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]

History

[edit]

The Sierra Estrellas were inhabited by the Akimel O'odham people and also some Yavapai bands at the north end of the range at the time of Spanish colonization, and today the mountains tower over several of the Akimel O'odham and Maricopa villages of the Gila River Indian Community. There are petroglyphs throughout the Southern portion of the range. In the colonial era, they were part of the land claimed as New Spain. Occasionally Spanish explorers or priests, most notably Father 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, the Battle of Pima Butte was fought in the area of the mountains. The allied Yuma, Mohave, Yavapai and Apache peoples attacked the Maricopa village of Secate. The Maricopa and their allies, the Akimel O'odham, defeated the attackers, leaving approximately 200 of them dead or wounded. It is notable for being the last major battle fought solely between indigenous Americans in North America.

Access

[edit]
Estrella Mountains from Laveen, January 2004. Hayes Peak is on the right.

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]

Peaks

[edit]
Fire in the Gila River Valley, southwest of Phoenix, (Rainbow Valley over peaks of Sierra Estrella)

The major peaks of the Sierra Estrella are (NW to SE):

  • Hayes Peak, 4,512 feet (1,375 m), named in honor of Ira Hayes, US Marine hero of the Pima Nation
  • Montezuma Sleeping
  • Butterfly Mountain, 4,119 feet (1,255 m)[6]
  • Quartz Peak, 4,052 feet (1,235 m)[7] (usually obscured by Butterfly Mountain when viewed from the east)
  • Montezuma Peak, 4,337 feet (1,322 m)[8]
  • Montezuma Head

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.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Estrella Mountain Regional Park Archived 2002-06-01 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Rim of Christendom by Herbert E. Bolton. p. 422
  3. ^ Batman, Richard (1984). American Ecclesiastes. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. pp. 167–170.
  4. ^ Handbook to Arizona, by Richard J. Hinton
  5. ^ BLM Sierra Estrella Wilderness
  6. ^ Arizona Road & Recreation Atlas, p. 46-47.
  7. ^ BLM Quartz Peak Trail
  8. ^ Todd's Hiking Guide
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sierra Estrella.
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