Horton Springs Horton Springs Hot

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Horton Springs

Location

How to Get There
This hike is located near Payson, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take HWY 87 North towards Payson. Once in Payson, take HWY 260 east toward Kohl's Ranch, AZ. The left turn for the trailhead is a not so well marked road just after Kohl's Ranch (the sign is for the Tonto Creek Campground). Take the road about five miles until you reach the Horton Picnic area. Park in the signed parking area if you can, otherwise park in one of the clearings along side the road.
city
Payson
state
AZ
country
USA
Region
Mogollon Rim

Hike details

Distance
7.00 [Miles] Round trip
Hike Distance- Details
7.0 miles to the spring and back again.
Time
3.25 [Hours]
Time-details
It took us three hours and 15 minutes with a 15 minute stop for exploring and lunch.
Elevation Change
2,400 Total gain/loss [Feet]
Elevation Gain
1,200 Total Elevation Gain [Feet]
Elevation Details
about 1200 ft gradual climb.
Hike Trail Type
Out and Back
Special Features
Water

Season

Best Season
  • June
  • July
  • August
Worst Season
  • January
  • February
  • December
Season Details
fall, summer, spring
Date Hike completed
May 19, 2012

Solitudue

Solitude
Low
Solitude Details
You'll see a few people on this hike, as it's quite popular. Expect to meet 15-30 people on this hike during a weekend.

Difficulty

Difficulty Rating
Moderate
difficulty detail
30 yr old Recommendation: Forest, creek, climb, and a fresh mountain spring. This is a Moderate hike. The scenery here is great and the spring is worth the hike. Drink deeply, as the water is fantastic.

This is a well marked trail. Kid approved.

Permits

Be Aware of
grazing bulls in the area

If a gradual climb to a natural spring in the Mogollon Rim area appeals to you, this is your hike.

This is a great hike to escape the Phoenix heat in the summer. The trail runs through a pine forest and is easy to follow. To find the trailhead from the parking area, cross back across the small paved bridge and hike towards the campground. The signed trailhead will be on your left. For the first mile or so, the trail skirts a bubbling creek. There's a good climb toward the end of the hike, with a number of switchbacks that gains most of the hike's elevation. Eventually, you'll reach a signed trail that intersects with the Highline Trail. Turn right here (JCT 1R on the map) and hike the final few hundred yards to the spring. Fill up your water here and enjoy the day. Be sure to explore the spring area, as there's more than one spring. When ready, return the way you came.

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Horton Springs
Horton Springs
Horton Springs
Horton Springs
Horton Springs
Horton Springs
Horton Springs

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