Campsites along Horton Creek Trail

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.

The Highline Trail #31 offers an immersive journey through Arizona's Tonto National Forest, showcasing a dramatic shift in scenery from open, brush-filled hills with panoramic views of the Mogollon Rim to dense Ponderosa pine forests and red-earthed canyons. You'll encounter numerous creeks, some with small waterfalls, and navigate rugged, rocky sections that demand your full attention. Keep an eye out for wildlife like elk as you traverse this historic route, which was once used by settlers and even the famous author Zane Grey.

This difficult point-to-point hiking route spans an impressive 128.5 miles (206.7 km) with a substantial 14288 feet (4355 metres) of elevation gain, requiring an estimated 58 hours and 20 minutes to complete. It's best tackled by experienced backpackers during the spring or autumn to take advantage of more moderate temperatures and seasonal water sources. Be prepared for significant elevation changes, particularly around areas like Hells Gate Canyon, and remember that the trail averages around 6,000 feet above sea level.

Originally established in 1870, the Highline Trail #31 holds significant historical value and is now designated as a National Recreation Trail, with a large portion integrated into the Arizona National Scenic Trail. It's known for its challenging terrain, even hosting the Zane Grey Highline Trail 50 Mile Run ultramarathon. Water sources like Horton Springs, where water emerges directly from the rocks, provide crucial refreshment along this demanding and rewarding adventure.