Light walking, a lot of walking in rocks and being in or around the creek!Hi cougars, went on this hike with my best friend. As I ventured further up the trail you could hear water beginning to trickle across the rocks.As suddenly as I ascended out of the forest floor I quickly started my descent back down into a thick canopy of shade. You'll see a parking lot for the trail clearly marked to your left.
There are many spots to sit by the creek or swim in some of the pools. we found a roadside spot easily (on our way out it was packed). Or you can following the brown hiking guy sign in the parking lot (closest to the road) down to the creek which actually pops you back onto the road and across the street.A man who started right ahead of us and turned around 2 miles in because he saw a bear on trail. Trail is rocky, steep at times but not too difficult, went down to the creek and followed that back and that was more difficult terrain. We found this 8.5 round trip to be a bit off.
In Payson turn right onto highway 260 until you reach forest road 289 on your left. It’s a nice trail that has clear paths. cross little wood beam bridge and go left.Really enjoyed this one, though towards the end there the trail picks up in elevation gain and it’s on the verge of what I’d call a moderate to hard moderate trail. ?We couldn’t find the trail.
It is a 6.8 mile in and out trail. You'll be parked across from the Upper Tonto Creek campground were the trail head starts. Parking lot was full when we left. Saw 3-4 groups for the majority of the hike, then several more during the last 2 miles out around 1pm. Follow FR 289 for approximately half a mile. We spent 7 hours walking and having a good time. Green, cool early in the morning, birds, butterflies and a creek. Hiked in Saturday morning with my 10 year old and dog and set up camp along the creek.
The trail was beautiful, there is a main trail, but there are also trails right on the creek for a a large part of the trip.
Would do again on a weekday, and skip the last steep killer mile.I would consider this an easy hike. There were a few hours we didn’t see anyone at all.Horton Creek Trail [CLOSED] is a 13.4 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Payson, Arizona that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Otherwise definitely a nice hike!
The many butterfly’s hanging out on the clusters of flowers along the trail was one of my favorite things. Horton Spring is an unusually large spring. Can be a little confusing a couple times as to which way to go, but still worth it. My favorite is starting with Mother Nature awakening from a full night of slumber with a magnificent explosion of color at sunrise.Spending time here was calming, a perfect place to sit and quiet your mind.
Hi Diana, Here is a link to the mogollon forest area closed, as of May 23rd. Parking fills quickly, small walk to the trail-head, with a few different path options throughout, but overall easy to follow. Great area to combine other trails to form a loop hike.Directions from Payson: Travel east on Hwy. Easy access by a regular car to the parking. Moderate to hard the last stretch if you want to get to Springs!Beautiful trail along the creek the whole way. It is not super obvious. Rated as easy, it’s moderate the last mile. I enjoyed walking among the trees in the cool morning breeze to a cairn directing me to the end of the Horton Creek trail or a sharp left or right to begin a new adventure. We saw several possible piles of bear poo on the trail as well. Horton Creek Trail is located approximately 84 miles east of Fountain Hills, AZ.