Queen Ester Road

This out-and-back trail climbs almost 800 feet in just under 8 miles, running east to west from Gas Line Road 281. The trail is one vehicle wide with a hard-pack sand surface and small rocks. This is one of the most scenic trails in the area, lined with lots of vegetation, including desert ironwood, cheese bushes, colorful desert flowers of many colors, ocotillo bushes, and forests of Teddy Bear Cholla. You'll enjoy nice views of the surrounding Orocopia Mountains throughout. There are a couple of entrances and exits out of washes where high clearance is highly recommended, and long wheelbases may have challenges. The last half mile runs along a cliff edge next to a canyon, adding drama to the finale. Wide vehicles may get pinstripes. The trail ends at the border of a wilderness area. Please exercise extra caution when traveling near the wilderness boundary.