But don’t forget to check the weather forecast, because it can be really cool at these higher elevations, even when it’s hot in the Valley. Continue hiking northwest on the road.Only full during wet years, this pond is crystal clear.Location: 37.3110084533691, -118.618499755859 This path meets up to main trail multiple times. Wear long pants if you plan to trek towards the water.Weather was perfect and trail had good flow of people. We did not go all the way to the rim. Butterflies everywhere!Beautiful trail along the creek the whole way. They catch winter rains and freeze, permafrost laying icing over scrubby chaparral. We only hiked the 4 miles to the spring and back.I’d recommend this to anyone looking to get some self-care. Tip: Fish from several large rocks at the waters edge. Horton Creek Trail Trailhead Preparations and Hiking Safety Tips Day hiking in the Tonto National Forest is a great getaway for those who live in Phoenix, Payson, Prescott, or Sedona. Would do again on a weekday, and skip the last steep killer mile.Directions from Payson: Travel east on Hwy. Would recommend!Make sure you get there early.
The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from May until October.
Turn left and parallel the lake hiking on a faint fisherman's trail. Strava has the elevation gain at about 1400ft vs 2400 it says on the app but it’s a true 8 miler to the top and back. Trail head is up towards the campground (across the street over the bridge from the parking). The trail is well marked - as others have mentioned, it’s 8 miles round trip to the springs (more like 12 to the rim). Le sentier offre plusieurs activités. The trail actually starts from the campground on the other side of the road. Turn left onto a faint fisherman’s trail and parallel Horton Lake to a campsite near the waters edge (there are several sandy tent spots and a well-used fire pit). If you choose to continue after the spring (4 mile mark) it is mega steep. Great side trails to see many waterfalls on the creek. much better canopy. Many beautiful spots to stop and picnic along the way which is nice for keeping away from others. We discovered the Horton creek trail which is located in the Tonto Creek. We spent 7 hours walking and having a good time. Spent 1.5 miles walking around trying to find it! Many different little falls all the way up to the spring.we arrived at 8AM and the parking lot was full. 260 to Forest Road 289. There are many spots to sit by the creek or swim in some of the pools. At Horton Creek, pass through a small meadow protected from the harsh wind that’s common in the valley—a great place to set up camp. No mystery there. There were alot of cairns so not sure how. I didn’t hike the last bit after the small waterfall as that takes you to the Rim Road #300 without a Rim view.NOTE: As of July 2020, this trail is closed due to extreme fire danger. You can take the trail up away from the creek or get down closer for more of a trudge but with a view of the creek. Roughly 900ft elevation gain to get to the springs, and then another ~1500 feet over the last mile and a half. The hike in can be a bit hot so I recommend starting early.
Got there Friday night and slept in the van. You can also set up camp for the night.
The climb continues to 10,000 feet before a short descent to two old miner’s cabins at Hanging Valley Mine.
Saw 3-4 groups for the majority of the hike, then several more during the last 2 miles out around 1pm. The trail is on the opposite side of the small parking area. There weren’t may people on trail today.