Album Home Guide to Horton Spring Comments Topo Story
| Distance: | Approx 3.5 miles to the Spring - Approx 7.75 miles for the loop |
| Difficulty: | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Hike Time: | 6 to 7 hours |
| Elevation: | 5470 ft at the parking lot to 6720 ft at the springs - 6786 at the top of the Highline Trail |
| Season: | May to November |
| USGS Maps: | Promontory Butte |
| Directions: From: Payson |
From the junction of Highways 87 and 260 in Payson, go approximately 16.6 miles East on Highway 260 (0.8 mile past mile post 268). Turn north on the Fish Hatchery road and drive 1 mile - cross the bridge to park on the left side of the road. |
The Parking lot is near the picnic site across the road from the Horton camp ground. After parking, cross back over the bridge and to the east side of the road to follow the road toward the Horton Campground. The trail head is on the left.
The Horton Spring hike offers the hiker a number of alternative routes. I chose to make a loop by following Horton Trail along Horton Creek to the Spring, then following the Highline Trail South and finally returning to the trail head via the Derrick trail. I have measured this loop to be approximately 7.75 miles, although other authors report it upwards to 9 miles.
The Horton Trail climbs approximately 1250 ft in approx. 3.5 miles, as a result, in places the climb is moderate in difficulty. The route generally follows along to the north side of the creek with only one crossing at the start of the trail. Even with a moderate rating, this trail receives significant traffic and is easily followed. Fortunately, there are numerous trails used by fishermen down to and along the creek which are also easily followed. It is reported that the creek supports a population of trout and I encountered a couple of anglers but I did not see any sign of catch-able fish in the pools I visited.
Horton Spring is wonderful - the water literally gushes from the side of the mountain to flow immediately into a picturesque pool. The habitat is lush - it is well worth the trip. The pool and spring are fenced off to keep cattle away. Close the gate. Naturally there is ample water available up to the Spring, but none is available for the rest of the loop. I would not trust the water even at the spring. Most day hikers will turn around at the Spring and retrace their route back to the parking lot; however it is worthwhile to complete the loop which can be made by following portions of the Highline and Derrick trails.
Immediately below the spring, the Highline Trail crosses Horton Creek and proceeds South for about 2.5 miles before meeting the Derrick trail. Portions of this stretch of trail are rigorous and should be considered strenuous in difficulty. Much of this route offers wonderful vistas of the surrounding area; I managed to spook a couple of deer.
Approx 2 miles south of the creek the Highline intersects the difficult Promontory Butte trail from the East. Derrick trail is approx 0.5 miles South of the Promontory Butte trail junction and was my return leg to the Horton Campground. The Derrick Trail branches to the West from the Highline and is virtually straight down the fall-line of the hill; it has become badly eroded. The going was very rough over exposed, loose rocks and it was not a pleasant walk for most of the way.
Trekker