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Arizona Hiking Trails
Arizona Hiking Trails
Horton Springs Trail | Tonto National Forest |
Horton Springs Trail | Tonto National Forest |
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Horton Springs Trail TR 292 | Upper Tonto Creek Campground Trailhead | Tonto National Forest
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Map and Directions
Rimsurfer Trail Rating and Hike Review
TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
Horton Springs Trail TR 292
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Upper Tonto Campground
ACCESS POINTS
South end: at Highline Trail 31
** (Horton Creek Trail TR 292)
North end: (FR) 300 top of Mogollon Rim
Trail use: Moderate
Trail difficulty: MOST difficult
Trail length: 1.3 miles
Estimated hiking time: 1.5 hours (one way)
Season of Use: Spring - Fall
Elevation change: 1200 feet
Horton Springs Trail TR 292
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Upper Tonto Campground
ACCESS POINTS
South end: at Highline Trail 31
** (Horton Creek Trail TR 292)
North end: (FR) 300 top of Mogollon Rim
Trail use: Moderate
Trail difficulty: MOST difficult
Trail length: 1.3 miles
Estimated hiking time: 1.5 hours (one way)
Season of Use: Spring - Fall
Elevation change: 1200 feet
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110 photos
More trail info:
USDA Forest Service • Map & Info --
For closures or specific information: RANGER DISTRICT: Payson Ranger Station 1009 East Highway 260 Payson, Arizona 85541 Phone (928) 474-7900
Things to be aware of: Yield the right of way to trail stock.
Regional area of Horton Springs Trail : in the Tonto National Forest, near Payson, Pine, Strawberry, Christopher Creek, Gila County, Arizona.
My trail rating: 2
My Trail Review:
Fall 2006
** I have seen some apparent confusion over the trail names and the same TR 292 number for Horton Springs and Horton Creek Trails. I believe that they are actually the same trail but there became a practical reason to split them on the reviews because of the difference in the day hike experiences.
From my experience on these trail sections it would seem logical to split them out as the Horton Springs Trail climbs very steeply up to the top of the Rim from the fence line at the Horton Spring. Most folks only come to see the Spring and then return back down Horton Trail which is not most difficult rated, however Horton Springs is appropriatly rated most difficult for the steep climb and the slippery trail mix you go over to get to the top of the Rim.
By the way, if this is the only section you want to hike you can get to it from the top of the Rim side off FR 300 which would be a very scenic yet long drive over a forest service gravel road for such a short hike.
If you are doing the long loop around this trail system of TR 33 to TR 31 then you would be intersecting TR 292 at the top of the Horton Springs Trail and coming back down over it and then Horton Creek Trail to the trailhead parking area. Please beaware that to do this loop it could make for a really long and difficult day hike so be in great shape, bring plenty of water (large sections of this trail are not shaded and can be very hot in the sunny weather), and dress layered for the different altitudes and weather conditions this trail system and the Rim Country may send your way.
Excellent and classic Rim Country Ponderosa pine forest trail adventure with awesome vista views of the Rim and the valley below.
Enjoy the Rim!
Max and Silver
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MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
Go east out of Payson, Arizona on Highway 260 which is an excellent scenic Rim Country highway. When you see Khol's Ranch come up on your right, slow down and watch to your left (north) side of the highway for the well marked Tonto Creek Campground turnoff. Turn left on Tonto Creek Road, a blacktop road, and drive up into the campground area. You will come to a bend to the left and cross over a small bridge, parking is on the left. You will find plenty of parking and toilets. Walk back across the bridge and follow well marked signs to trail entrance.
MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
Go east out of Payson, Arizona on Highway 260 which is an excellent scenic Rim Country highway. When you see Khol's Ranch come up on your right, slow down and watch to your left (north) side of the highway for the well marked Tonto Creek Campground turnoff. Turn left on Tonto Creek Road, a blacktop road, and drive up into the campground area. You will come to a bend to the left and cross over a small bridge, parking is on the left. You will find plenty of parking and toilets. Walk back across the bridge and follow well marked signs to trail entrance.
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This RimSurfer Arizona hiking trail photo gallery review features the Horton Springs Trail from the Upper Tonto Creek Campground Trailhead, in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona.