When we did the latter option, the trail looked different enough to both Craig and me that we thought we were on a different ridge trail until we met the Fish Fork Trail at the same point as on the way up. Because the weather was so cool, I consumed only 2.1 liters of the 3.3 liters of water I carried, and had no discernable water deficit at the end of the trail at all. The entire south slope of Pine Mountain is covered with rabbitbrush in stunning bloom. In addition, the pinkish-red of buckwheat and another variety with small red flowers with yellow insides fill the slope in between the rabbitbrush. Other plants in bloom, in much smaller numbers, include a short penstemon, a low yellow fuzzy flower on a half-inch stem, and nude buckwheat.
Red berries are evident on a few plants.
Absolutely delightful everywhere except on Baldy. Fish Fork Creek Trail. Took it by going right.