Horton Springs - Backpack, Camp, and Hike near Payson, Arizona
Zane Gray Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541, USA,Payson,Arizona
34.33992449097796, -111.09554386152013
15.1 miles NE of Payson, Arizona
Address: Zane Gray Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541, USA
GPS: 34°20'23.7"N 111°5'44.0"W
Maps | Directions
State: Arizona
Trails/Routes: 1.1-3.5 mi

Waterfalls Streams Trails Wildflowers Fishing

Backpack, Camp, and Hike

Horton Springs is a spring on the Mogollon Rim that leads into Horton Creek. There are campsites near the springs, and several hiking trails in the area that lead to the spring itself. Between the waterfalls, the wildflowers, and the many maples, this is a beautiful destination to hike year round, or to backpack and explore.

Horton Creek Trail is a popular, easy hike that leads directly to the springs. The trailhead is located near the Upper Tonto Creek Campground, and is often frequented, especially on the weekends. At some points, the trail overlaps with the creek bed, so be prepared for your feet to get wet! You won't be able to do much swimming, but there's plenty of water to splash around, and you can still enjoy the refreshingly cold creek. The trail ends at the Highline Trail, at which point the Springs are only a few yards away. The waterfall where the spring emerges from the mountain is a unique sight. There are some dispersed campsites located near the spring, allowing for a potential overnight stay.

The other trail to reach Horton Spring is Horton Springs Trail; This trail begins north of the spring, off of Rim Road (or FR 300) and takes a short but steep 1-mile path down with no switchbacks to the spring. The Horton Spring Trail #292 is rated as "most difficult" and is recommended only to experienced hikers. 

2.0K Written by camilledupar

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

Read More
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Payson, Arizona

  1. Head northeast on AZ-87 N toward E Frontier St (0.7 mi)
  2. Turn right onto AZ-260 E (16.2 mi)
  3. Turn left onto Nf-289 (0.8 mi)
or

Make sure to park in the Horton Springs parking lot, not in the nearby Upper Tonto Creek Campground.

to add photos & videos and suggest edits

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Horton Creek Trail, Payson, Arizona courtesy of davidpinter Horton Creek Trail, Payson, Arizona courtesy of davidpinter↗
Horton Creek Trail Payson Arizona Panoramio 47 courtesy of davidpinter Horton Creek Trail Payson Arizona Panoramio 47 courtesy of davidpinter↗ Horton Creek Trail Payson Arizona Panoramio 55 courtesy of davidpinter Horton Creek Trail Payson Arizona Panoramio 55 courtesy of davidpinter↗ Horton Creek Trail Payson Arizona Panoramio 52 courtesy of davidpinter Horton Creek Trail Payson Arizona Panoramio 52 courtesy of davidpinter↗ Horton Creek Trail Payson Arizona Panoramio 48 courtesy of davidpinter Horton Creek Trail Payson Arizona Panoramio 48 courtesy of davidpinter↗ Horton Creek Trail Payson Arizona Panoramio 58 courtesy of davidpinter Horton Creek Trail Payson Arizona Panoramio 58 courtesy of davidpinter↗ Horton Creek Trail Payson Arizona Panoramio 11 courtesy of davidpinter Horton Creek Trail Payson Arizona Panoramio 11 courtesy of davidpinter↗ Horton Springs AZ by 357tonto Backpacking to Horton Springs  - June 2015 - AZPF by AZ Pathfinders Horton Creek Trail by betybliss
2.0K

Added by camilledupar

Trails

Distance ?

3.5 miles

Elevation Gain ?

1,178 feet

Real Ascent ?

1,342 feet

Real Descent ?

164 feet

Avg Grade (4°)

6%

Grade (-9° to 23°)

-15% to 42%

Distance ?

1.1 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-1,272 feet

Real Ascent ?

65 feet

Real Descent ?

1,337 feet

Avg Grade (-13°)

-23%

Grade (-34° to 14°)

-67% to 25%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

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