horton springs

Horton Springs was a beautiful day hike out if Payson, AZ. Drive 17 miles east to Fish Hatchery Rd and turn left, the trailhead parking lot is one mile in. The trail is 4 miles, one way and gains about 1225' elevation, ending at around 6300'. The trail can be steep and rocky in parts so I would not recommend it for young kids or strollers. Teens and adults should be able to make the hike without problems. It took us about 1.5 hours to get to the spring, and we stopped for plenty of photos of the beautiful creek, small waterfalls and plant life. The trail is well defined and while we were there, a wilderness crew was clearing rocks and branches along the way. When you reach the sign showing you have arrived (and is a junction of another trail), turn towards the creek and walk about 50', the spring will come into view on your left, uphill. Horton Spring is fairly substantial and there is an instant and beautiful shaded creek coming from it. The location is a great spot to rest and/or picnic. Make sure you carry out everything, there are no garbage cans or facilities there or on the trail. This was an interesting and beautiful hike and a great way to spend part of the day.