Pine Creek Loop Trail #280

From Ballantine Trailhead (TH), the southern leg of the loop climbs to 2,800 feet. The Pine Creek Trail drops toward the junction with Ballantine Trail 283. Care should be taken because the tread is decomposed granite and you can easily lose your footing. At the junction with the Ballantine Trail #283, Pine Creek Trail almost doubles back onto itself and begins to descend. The trail parallels Pine Creek for a substantial distance on the way back to the TH.

Attractions:

• This loop trail passes through Sonoran Desert vegetation and into pockets of semi-desert grasslands.
• Pine Creek runs seasonally through landscapes of mesquite and cottonwoods.
• There are some interesting trailside sandstone rock formations.
• An abundance of wild flowers can be viewed on springtime trips.
• There are mountain views at the east end of the loop.