| when | October 5, 2023 Thursday | ||
| Trip Report : April 8, 2023 | |||
| Trip Report : March 9, 2019 | |||
| Trip Report : February 12, 2011 | |||
| Trip Report : January 27, 2007 | |||
| Trip Report : February 25, 2006 | |||
| Trip Report : February 26, 2005 | |||
| Trip Report : March 8, 2003 | |||
| where | Four Peaks Wilderness | ||
| the hike |
The trail takes you through gorgeous Sonoran Desert. No restrooms.
Consider stopping in Fountain Hills before hitting AZ-87 Hwy N. People who would prefer a shorter hike can return the same way we came. This trail is described as a loop configuration due to a small loop at the beginning (& end) but will seem like in and out. We travel through desert scenery made up of various Cacti and interesting boulder formations, and always the chance of meeting up with Desert Tortoise and other wildlife, even cows sometimes. There are ups and downs but nothing too strenuous. This area burned in the Bush fire in 2021 so there is no shade along the way but hopefully this will be the perfect day. Long pants are suggested due to plants and bushes that may not be cleared. Then proceed uphill on the Ballantine Trail, through the Camp Creek area, to an area called Boulder Flat. We’ll see a lot of misshapen boulders and see whose imagination is the most creative! This hike is described on pages 238-242 of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Phoenix by Charles Liu. Required: • Sturdy hiking boots • At least 3 liters of water • Rain poncho • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: • Lunch or snacks • Camera |
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| distance | 6 to 7 miles |
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| time | 3-4 hours | ||
| EC | +-2000' elevation change | ||
| elevations | 2258' (Trailhead) to 4148' (Boulder Flat) | ||
| type | round trip | ||
| starting at |
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| on trail | 100% — Ballantine Trail #283 | ||
| hike rating | "C" Rate yourself as a hiker. | ||
| dogs? | no | ||
| cost | Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
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| weather | Fountain Hills | ||
| leader |
Email the leader to confirm. |
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| meet |
7:00 AM in the parking lot of the Meet at North Mt. visitor Center. 8:30 AM at the Trailhead. This location is chosen because we are combining the Trailblazers and the NMVC hiking group today. Those wishing to meet for rideshare at Fountain Hills Target or elsewhere, arrange on your own. |
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| drive | The trailhead is just past milepost 210 on the Beeline Highway (Arizona 87), 21 miles north of the intersection of Shea Blvd. and Fountain Hills, and 7 miles north of the road to Four Peaks. On the east side of the road. |
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| updated September 24, 2023 | © Copyright 2023, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |