Sierra Estrella Mountains
| Sierra Estrella | |
|---|---|
| Estrella Mountains | |
 |
|
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Hayes Peak (Sierra Estrella) |
| Elevation | 4,512 ft (1,375 m) |
| Coordinates | 33°16′25″N 112°16′51″W / 33.27361°N 112.28083°WCoordinates: 33°16′25″N 112°16′51″W / 33.27361°N 112.28083°W |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 20 mi (32 km) NW-SE |
| Width | 5 mi (8.0 km) |
| Naming | |
| Etymology | sierra estrella, Spanish for Star Range |
| Native name | Komaḍk |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| Region | (northern)-Sonoran Desert (Gila River Valley) |
| District | Maricopa County, Arizona |
| Settlement | Komatke, AZ–Laveen, AZ |
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.
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 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.
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. 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.
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Wikipedia