I finally got my fix of wildflowers for this year. I went counter-clockwise on the loop, taking the South trail first. It ascends enough to get you winded, and doesn't let up for a mile. I saw water in the creeks below, so I decided to proceed about 1/2 mile on the Ballantine trail. I'm glad I did, as it quickly goes past an area with lots of boulders in view. An added treat was being able to hear the running water from recent rains. My only disappointment was that the trail did not descend to Pine Creek, so I didn't get right up to the water.

I saw plenty of lizards and birds, and one squirrel.