Outdoor Links
Hike Arizona
Trip Planning Guide
Trip Report Index
Calendar of Events
Library
|
Ballantine Trail Day Hike Mazatzal Mountains December 10, 2016 by Monika Hahues |
|
|
| Tamar, Dana, Marilyn, Dale, Tom, Pete, Gideon, Carl, Debbie, Gabe, Rudy, Nancy A., Cecilia, Martha, Arturo, Monika, April, Dale, Chuck, Natalie |
|
While other parts of the country are drowning in snow, 22 Arizona Trailblazers are looking forward to a really fine hiking day. |
|
 Is everyone here, and ready? |
 Trailblazers start out on a fine morning. |
 Boulder Flat is that-a-way. |
 Mt. Ord rises majestically in the distance. |
 Even in winter, the Mazatzals are fine. |
 The trail becomes entrenched on the way up. |
 Saguaro and ocotillo light our path. |
 Follow the fence line. |
 Saguaros mix it up. |
 Those rocks are balanced precariously. |
 King of the Mountain. |
 A splash of autumn color. |
 This looks like a good spot for a break. |
 Here, have some. |
 We’ve come a long way from the Beeline Highway. |
|
|
| Around the rugged rocks the ragged rascals ran. | |
 Stately saguaro stands sentinel by the trail. |
 It’s getting later in the afternoon. |
 A trail junction not to be missed. |
|
Our goal is the Ballantine Trailhead. Most of the hikers had noticed the trailhead sign driving by on State Route 87 on their way to Payson, but hardly anyone stopped and actually hiked the trail. From the road the area does not look too inviting. But once you climb up the steep first part of the Pine Creek Loop, a wonder world of rocks, deep gorges and battalions of Saguaros open up. A steady gradual climb through a beautiful Sonoran Desert with a lot of lookouts brings us up to Boulder Flat, were we enjoy the great views while fueling up for the hike back. Everyone made it back to the trailhead safe and sound, and 17 of us decide to end this gorgeous day with dinner at El Encanto in Fountain Hills. |
|
|
| Trailblazers enjoy the feast at El Encanto. | |
Thank you all for joining us on this hike! |
Top of Page
Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club, Phoenix, Arizona
Comments? Send them to the AZHC .
updated March 11, 2018