Pine Mountain via Ballantine
25.7 mi5,223 ft
6,227 ft
2,257 ft
Long, arduous hike that follows the Ballantine Trail past the boulders, to the rock tank, over the back of Pine Mountain, and drops off at FR 143. Forest roads and bike trails can connect the loop.
Photos
Dim, early morning light on Ballantine Trail
Piles and piles of boulders
Early light on Boulder Flat
Old corral above Boulder Flat
Nice campsite by the corral
Pleasant, enclosed section of trail
Getting close to Rock Tank
Some thick manzanita growth along the trail
Several tanks of cool, shaded water
Some great views from Rock Tank
Looking east from the AZT
Great pine forest hiking
Nice campsite set up at saddle
One of the rock walls near the Pine Mountain summit
Looking north towards the Mazatzal Wilderness
South at the Four Peaks
Great trail and cairns leading down to Cline Trailhead
Some boring walking along FR 143
View down to the Beeline Highway from a connector trail
Looking back at the greenery of Pine Mountain
Hot afternoon glare over the last hill
Along the way
Spring 1
- Rock Tank
Mountain 1
- Pine Mountain
Ruin 1
- Old Corral
Camping 3
- Campsite at the old corral
- Saddle campsite
- Boulder Flat
Trailhead 2
- Ballantine Trailhead
- Cline Trailhead
Junction 1
- Ballantine Trail / Pine Creek Loop junction