Plan "A" to off-road to the Cane Spring Trailhead and investigate Alder Creek Trail #82 was aborted with the threat of rain and concern that my 2WD F-150 wouldn't be able to match the nasty road. The Pine Creek Loop Trail and Ballantine Trail to Boulder Flat quickly became Plan "B".
At the trailhead (33o45.862'N, 111o29.605'W) by 8:00am, zeroed the GPS mileage and headed up the north loop. The traffic noise certainly detracted from our "wilderness experience"!
Once at the top of the ridge (33o46.145'N, 111o29.191'W) some 0.85 miles into the hike, the annoying traffic noise disappears! The sound of birds and nearby Camp Creek dominates the ears.
Follow the ridge down to the Ballantine TH (33o46.313'N, 111o28.700'W) 1.41 miles from the parking lot. Well the sign said 1 ½ miles - that's close enough... Have choices here - take the south loop back to the parking lot or push on to Boulder Flat via the Ballantine Trail. Buster says this hike isn't over yet!
The recent rains have water flowing in both Camp and Pine Creeks. Also have the desert on the verge of bursting into bloom.
Route Editor
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