Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Ballantine Trail Day Hike


when? Trip Report: January 27, 2007
  Trip Report: February 25, 2006
  Trip Report: February 26, 2005
  Trip Report: March 8, 2003
where? Four Peaks Wilderness
the hike     The trail takes you through gorgeous Sonoran Desert, climbs upward into Ballantine Canyon, through Camp Creek and finally, toward Pine Mountain, at an elevation of 5,800 feet (trailhead elevation is 2258 ft).
    We’ll see a lot of eroded granite hoodoos and large monoliths, as well as a saguaro shaped like a hand. When the creek is running the scenery is breathtaking on this hike, so bring your camera. The pace will be leisurely.

Absolutely required:
Sturdy hiking boots
At least 3 liters of water and lunch
Rain poncho
Hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Extra socks, since there are creek crossings
Jacket or sweatshirt
Suggested:
Camera
distance 8-10 miles
time 6 hours
EC +-2000' elevation change
elevations 2258' (Trailhead) to 4148' (Boulder Flats)
type round trip
starting at
Ballantine Trailhead 33° 45.872' N,  111° 29.562' W  [NAD27]
on trail 100% — Ballantine Trail (TR 283)
hike rating "B" [moderate]
dogs? no
cost $0, though riders should share the cost of gas. The club will allow voluntary contributions of $1/member or $3/non-member.
weather Fountain Hills. Unless it is pouring rain or thunderstorming at 7:00 AM the day of the hike, we will proceed.
meet 7:30 AM in the parking lot of the Target Center on the south side of Shea Blvd., about a mile west of Highway 87 (Beeline). For those leaving their cars behind, please park up against the north curb away from Target.
We will leave promptly at 7:45 AM.
drive The trailhead is just past milepost 210 on Arizona 87, 21 miles north of the intersection of Shea Blvd. and Fountain Hills and 7 miles north of the road to Four Peaks.


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updated March 28, 2008 © Copyright 2008, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.