Home
Club Info
Officers
Meeting Minutes
Library
Calendar of Events
Trip Reports
Hike Descriptions
Trip Planning Guide
Leader Info
Outdoor Links
Lessons Learned
|
Ballantine Trail Day Hike
Mazatzal Mountains
March 8, 2003
Hike leader: Beth Baumert
Hikers: Richard and Rochelle DeSouza, Mike Haverty, Matthew Martin, Chuck Parsons
Saturday started out rather coolly, but warmed up quickly, and we were blessed
with clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine. We decided to take the south fork
at the beginning and meandered uphill through a green forest of saguaros,
prickly pear, barrel, and hedgehod cacti, along with staghorn cholla and
teddy-bear cholla, as well as palo verde and ironwood trees. There were plenty
of grasses and some wildflowers, and the brittlebush was blooming. Chuck
pointed out a packrat’s den of dead branches. A few birds of prey soared
mightily overhead, and we saw some lizards scampering off rocks after being
interrupted from sunbathing.
As we descended toward the Ballantine trailhead, we could see snow-capped
mountains in the Mazatzal Range. We could also see the creekbed far below us,
and as we descended into a red-rock area in which the trail was moistened by
underground flowing water, we were surrounded by fascinating hoodoo rock
formations. Chuck and I availed ourselves of the opportunity to take
photographs.
We started uphill and upon our passing the “lookout ” point with
the fire ring, we saw a balanced rock to our right. We climbed up the hill and
were rewarded with the sight of water in the creek. As we wound our way up
past crumbling granite hillsides and more hoodoo formations, we reached a
ridge with spectacular views on either side, and Chuck took a picture of the
sunlit grove of “teddy-bear ” chollas. They may look soft and
inviting, but do not be deceived. You do not want to hug them.
At the edge of the ridgeline, we turned toward the corner and saw a huge
monolith rock balanced majestically on its perch. We then were delighted by
the loud sound of water gushing in the creek. As we proceeded onward, we came
to a four-fingered saguaro shaped like a hand, which Matt noticed and pointed
out to the rest of us. We were actual witnesses to the water flowing in the
creek and we passed over it, and after proceeding further, we came to the
sign for Boulder Flats, telling us that we had traveled four miles.
We then climbed up the mountain to our lunch spot with lovely views of snow
and surrounding mountains.
After lunch, we proceeded onward to seek the “lovely meadow ” and
creek that other hikers had described. We found both and came to the creek
right at a small waterfall, which was pictureworthy. Chuck took another group
photo as we walked back, at one very interesting rock formation. We walked back
in the sunshine, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the breeze. Matt’s
GPS told us that we went 10 miles. It was a very nice day with great company.
|
Top of Page