Horton Creek Trailhead

The Horton Creek Trail, Highline Trail, and Derrick Trail Loop offers a truly diverse hiking experience, transitioning from lush, creek-side forests to demanding mountain terrain. You'll wind along Horton Creek, enjoying the shade of pine and aspen, and pass trickling waterfalls before ascending to the Highline Trail, which provides glimpses of majestic green mountain scenery. This 8.9-mile (14.3 km) loop, with its 1702 feet (519 metres) of elevation gain, is a rewarding journey through varied landscapes.

Plan to start your adventure early, especially if you're visiting on a weekend, as the Horton Creek Trailhead can fill up quickly. The trail is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your canine companion. While the first few miles of Horton Creek are quite gentle, the route becomes steeper and rockier further in, with the Highline Trail section featuring demanding inclines and declines. The entire loop typically takes around 4 hours and 23 minutes to complete, making it a solid half-day outing.

This loop is notable for its historical significance, as the Highline Trail was established in 1870 and used by homesteaders. It offers a unique combination of exceptionally green, forested creek-side hiking and more exposed, challenging mountain sections, providing a comprehensive taste of the Tonto National Forest. The perennial flow of Horton Creek is a refreshing feature, offering opportunities to cool off and even find dispersed campsites along the way.

The Horton Creek Trail #285 is a verdant oasis in the Tonto National Forest, offering a refreshing escape from the Arizona heat. You'll follow the namesake creek, winding through magnificent stands of ponderosa pines, aspens, and maples, with numerous waterfalls and pools along the way. The trail culminates at Horton Springs, where water gushes dramatically from the Mogollon Rim, providing a unique natural spectacle.

Planning your visit requires a Tonto Day Pass for access to the Horton Creek Trailhead. The trail is dog-friendly, provided your pet is on a leash. While the full 3.3-mile (5.4 km) route with 1114 feet (340 metres) of elevation gain is rated moderate and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, the first 2-3 miles are considered easy and great for families. The last mile to the springs is significantly steeper, so be prepared for a climb.

This trail stands out for its surprisingly lush ecosystem, a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. It's a popular choice for its continuous creek flow and shaded environment, making it ideal for summer hikes, and offers spectacular foliage in the fall. The area also has historical significance, intersecting with the historic Highline Trail.