BALLANTINE- PINE CREEK LOOP TRAIL
Tonto National Forest
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| View from Ballantine Trail, January 1, 2012 |
Confession: I've driven by the Ballantine trailhead on SR 87 eleventy-nine times, but never pulled over because, from the highway, the terrain just didn't inspire. It took the recommendation of a trusted hiking pal for me to put this trail first up on my 2012 resolution list in the “hike trails I've overlooked for years” column.
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| "Stonehenge" Section of the Ballantine Trail |
Come to find out, this trail looks a lot better once it moves away from the highway. A somewhat strenuous climb reveals a landscape of knuckle-and-joint, mica-imbedded boulders, deep gorges and a battalion of regal saguaro cactuses standing sentry. There's even a mini "Stonehenge" passage with nature-sculpted granite monoliths. Seasonal water doodling through the canyons adds a calming soundtrack to the impressive views. As there is no directional signage at the trailhead, here’s the skinny. From the parking area, the Pine Creek Loop Trail heads off in both directions. We opted to begin on the south leg (go right) and hiked 1.4 miles to a saddle where wood trail signs (with inaccurate mileage) herald your options. From here, we continued 2 miles (not 3 as the sign indicates) north on Ballantine Trail to Boulder Flat. The flat is not signed, but you’ll know you’ve reached it when you come to a “T” trail junction with a rotting wood sign offering little usable information. This was our turnaround point. However, to continue on Ballantine, go right (southeast) or, take the left track to pick up the Pipeline Trail.
One resolution down--about a million to go.
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| Boulder Flat |
LENGTH: 6.8 miles (as described here).
Ballantine Trail only: 10 miles one-way
Pine Creek Loop only: 2.8 miles
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 2,240' – 3,700' (this hike). Ballantine Trail only: 2,520' – 4,200'
DOGS: leashed dogs okay, may be too rough for older or inexperienced dogs
KID FRIENDLY: older kids
BEST SEASON: October -April
BEST SEASON: October -April
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| South Leg of Pine Creek Loop |
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, take Loop 202 east to SR 87 north (Beeline Highway). Follow SR 87 north to just past milepost 210 (approx 21 miles north of Shea Blvd.) where you'll see the Ballantine trailhead on the right.
INFO: Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District, 480-610-3300
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35447&actid=50
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