Pollinator walk highlights spring wildflowers at Estrella amid trail closures

 Visitors to Estrella Mountain Regional Park can explore native desert plants and pollinator habitat during a guided walk next month, even as construction closes two major trailheads.

The park will host a Pollinator Walk from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13. The program focuses on the park’s five-acre Pollinator Garden, a managed area designed to support native biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Participants will learn to identify common Sonoran Desert species including brittlebush, globemallow, desert marigold, chuparosa, milkweed and fleabane daisy, and observe the insects and birds they attract. The walk follows a level, barrier-free route along paved sidewalks and compacted gravel near the picnic area. Closed-toe shoes and water are recommended.

Spring wildflowers typically appear at Estrella from late February through May, depending on winter rainfall. The park is known for consistent native plant growth rather than large-scale bloom displays, with flowers most visible along washes, lower elevations and managed habitats.

The event comes as the Rainbow Valley and Coldwater trailheads remain closed for construction of a new 50-site campground, a project expected to continue through March 2027. Arena Drive/143rd Avenue south of Casey Abbott Drive is also closed, blocking vehicle access to those trailheads.

Hikers and mountain bikers can still reach the Rainbow Valley and Coldwater trails using the Baseline or Quail trailheads; hikers only may also access the area from the Gila trailhead.

Estrella Mountain Regional Park is located at 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear.

Visit maricopacountyparks.net for more information.