Horton Spring

Current Conditions

Overnight camping is not allowed near area or trails in Closure 03-12-04-22-05. Restrooms will be serviced twice daily. Please pack it in, pack it out!

Trail is located in a beautiful area with pine, fir and seasonal wildflowers. Horton Spring Trail offers excellent views from the top. Historically, Zane Grey and “Babe” Haught used this route to reach hunting areas above the rim. The trail can be utilized now to continue up to the Mogollon Rim from the #31 Highline trail. Users may also choose to continue their hike from the #285 Horton Creek Trail by connecting to the Highline Trail at the end of Horton Creek and hiking a short distance East to the start of Horton Spring Trail.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

292

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

1 Mile route connecting the Highline trail to the top of the Mogollon Rim and Forest Road #300.

Not recommended for horses. No motorized vehicles are allowed. If you PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT!! Carry an adequate supply of drinking water. One gallon per person per day is recommended during hot periods. Do not drink untreated water. Giardia, a protozoan, is in many water impoundments and streams. Portions of the trail are rough in places and should be traveled with caution.The rim has the second highest incidence of lightning in the U.S. so use caution during the summer rainy season.

Getting There

Trailhead/Starting Points

Main access is from the #285 Horton Creek Trail that is accessed at Upper Tonto Creek Campground https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto/recreation/upper-tonto-creek-campground

Directions

Main access is 17 miles northeast of Payson. From Payson, travel 16 miles east on State Hwy. 260. Just east of mile marker 268 at Kohl’s Ranch, turn left (north) on Forest Road (FR) 289. Travel one mile and turn right into Upper Tonto Creek Campground.