Mogollon Rim Hikes:
Horton Creek Trail
Tonto National Forest

East of Payson below the Mogollon Rim lies the land of author Zane Grey. The landscape of the Mogollon Rim was the inspiration for many of his stories. Just below the rim, and beyond Kohl's Ranch along Highway 260, is a north turnoff for the Tonto Creek Recreation Area. This paved road leads to the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery. About half way to the hatchery facility is the trailhead for Horton Creek Trail. Parking is on the far side of the bridge over Tonto Creek. The trail begins within the Upper Tonto Creek Campground. To get to the trail head, walk back across the bridge and up the dirt road into the campground. At the top of the hill the trail begins on the left.

This trail is a popular trail among those who frequent Rim Country. The trail follows along the bank of Horton Creek for four miles until it reaches the Horton Creek Spring. The spring literally gushes out the side of a mountain into a cascading waterfall. Below the falls the water pools into a small pond that is lined with beautiful wild flowers and moss covered rocks. Photographs here, no matter how bad a photographer, look like they could appear in Arizona Highways. In fact, it is likely this spot has appeared in the magazine over the years. In early fall, trees change colors on the trail making it a great place to see the changing of the seasons.

For more information about the Horton Creek Trail call, or visit online, the Tonto National Forest, Payson Ranger District offices.

Tonto National Forest
Payson Ranger District
1009 E. Highway 260
Payson, AZ 85541
Tel. (520) 474-7900
Online:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto

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