My thanks to HAZ-GPSjoe for first scouting and documenting this mystery trail on 1/14-15/09.

While hiking the popular Ballantine to Boulder Flat and Ballantine to Cabin & Corral hikes many of us have passed this connector trail heading off the Ballantine TR#283 to the right(southwest), just past Boulder Flat 3.6 miles in. Joe determined on 1/14 that this well defined trail actually connects to FR143(The Four Peaks Rd) 4.8mls south of this Ballantine TR intersection.

I discussed with Joe my interest in wanting to personally hike this trail segment to give more visibility of this trail on HAZ via issuing a new hike description. This now understood trail segment really does open up some new, interesting TH and hiking options for day trips in this area between Hwy 87 and FR143: You can now hike via the Ballantine Hwy 87 TH and/or hiking this, the Ballantine Connector Trail to FR143. With these two TH options, one can also plan a shuttle hike utilizing the Ballantine Trail #283 TH and this hike, do an in and out hike or start/end here for another option in doing the Ballantine Cabin & Corral Hike.

With Joe's previous detailed trip log, key trail/TH way points & directions for this new connector trail, I set out this Saturday to refine all the trail and TH details with my GPS & camera to complete a new HAZ hike description and I had a lot of fun in the process. I have spent quite a bit of time documenting via a GPS Hiking Route & GPS Driving Route as well as a detailed pic set and hike description with all "key" waypoints and landmarks noted.

During our cooler months, I think you will also enjoy hiking this newly documented trail segment!