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| Ballantine Boulder Loops, AZ | |
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| | Ballantine Boulder Loops, AZ | | | |
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Ballantine Boulder Loops, AZ
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| Hiking | 18.66 Miles |
4,368 AEG |
| | Hiking | 18.66 Miles | 10 Hrs 31 Mns | | 2.01 mph |
| 4,368 ft AEG | 1 Hour 13 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | We headed out clockwise on Pine Creek Loop #280. Just under four trillion Desert Hyacinth in the first couple of miles. Chris was hiking in the area by chance so that was the second highlight of the day.
Super pleasant hike until just before the cabin where Bruce decided to cross a field of catclaw. Continued up to the NE corner of the classic Ballantine Cabin & Corral. An annual or goto by several but I just find it okay.
Now into the heart ( loop part ) of Ballantine Cabin Boulders Loop we found ourselves pointing out balancing boulders and whatnot often. Patchy snow and recent moisture helped in areas I imagine are less easy to keep traction when dry. The primary users are motorcycles, so deeply grooved stretches on steep grades are part of the package deal. Like many trails in the Bradshaws, the bonus side of that deal is catclaw/brush maintenance by cycles plowing through it.
There was some bad catclaw on the return along a portion of Ballantine Trail #283 and the crossover to the cabin.
Synopsis
Bruce hemmed and hawed on this hike he drafted long ago. I twisted his arm and set him straight to give it a chance. Perfect weather for patchy snow. In rare fashion, I purposely traveled in the snow for traction. It was some of the best snowball snow I recall since I was probably 7 years old. |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
Substantial Fairy Duster and Desert Hyacinth along Loop #280 |
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