Trickles, splashes, and dribbles of clear mountain water rush over the array of granite

rocks, smoothed from decades on decades of Mother Nature’s continuous flow of Horton Creek.

The forage green, consisting of jade ferns and olive grasses, accentuates the beauty of the

curving stream. Ponderosa pines rise with a pristine presence a short distance from the beauty

of the creek, lending way to being one of the gorgeous trails, unsurpassed in beauty, in the

Tonto National Forest.

A release in freedom, Horton Creek Trail, has adventures for all. The main trail is very

maintained, tracking a few yards side by side with the stream with smaller paths leading down to the water’s edge. Horton Creek is a busy trail, supplying quests for the young and young at heart. Dogs on leashes, horses, small children, young adults, and even older children boasting wrinkles from the passing of time (seniors) are welcome to explore one of the Arizona trails which boasts the spectacular beginning of a natural spring, a spring flowing from a hole in the mountainside, the beginning of Horton Creek, four miles from the start.

I feel the freedom! I feel Freedom beckoning me to wander down by the creek’s edge,

strip off my shoes, and wiggle toes in the cold mountain stream. I feel Freedom inspiring me to

inhale deeply the aroma of pine-scented fresh air deep into my lungs. I feel Freedom

whispering delights as cheerful birds converse in different chirping patterns happy, happy songs.

I feel Freedom as I witness the gaiety flight of white and yellow butterflies flickering here and

there, dotting the landscape with splendor. I feel the Freedom of the Horton Creek Trail.

Waterfalls are numerous. To pick a favorite would be impossible for me as they are

individually stunning, each offering uniqueness in sound, size, and exquisiteness. Quaint trails

led to the creek side, winding here and there, over the stream, up the stream, through

Ponderosa pine, aspens with the flora of blackberry growths, shrubbery, and ferns for a hiker’s

delight.

The goal of the Horton Creek Trail hike is to reach the mouth of the spring, which is four

miles in distance from the start. Gradually climbing in elevation, approximately reaching 6,420

feet at the hole in the mountainside from which the stream begins is not arduous as the climb is

gradual from the start of the hike at the trailhead which is approximately 5,360 feet in elevation.

The primary trail is not difficult to traverse, however, should you decide to cool off in the creek,

the smaller trails leading you there may be tricky, especially while crossing the creek. The

stream boulders are smooth and slick, and the rushing water may make navigating in bare feet

somewhat hazardous for falls. Use caution.

Reaching the mouth of the spring is exuberating! To climb to the hole where the beginning of the natural spring flows from the hillslope is a bit taxing, but certainly worth the effort. Wearing hiking boots, tennis shoes, and shoes with a grip are recommended as flip-flops might lead to a disastrous accident. Ahh! But to see this trickery wonder of Mother Nature, the water seeming to flow from rocks on the side of an embankment is indeed magnificent. 

Where does the water come from? Did the Magical Water Fairy create a water fantasy flowing out of the hillside? No, no. Sorry, although this is an intriguing imaginative thought, according to research Canyon, Bear, and Knoll Lakes drain into an underground channel eventually creating the natural spring of Horton Creek. 

An interesting fact about Horton Creek is the creek is named after L. J. Horton, an early settler in the area in the 1880s. He started his cattle ranch in this region, probably because of the year-round water supply for his cattle and the abundance of natural grass for feed; but sadly, all his cattle were stolen, and he did not replace them. 

Some precautions should be taken when hiking this trail or any trail in Arizona and the Southwest in the heat of summer. Take water! Lots and lots of water! According to the usda.gov website, a recommendation of one gallon per day per person should be carried. As mentioned earlier, adequate shoes for hiking on slippery rocks should be worn. Be aware of hazardous encounters with venomous creatures who blend in with their surroundings! (Don and I witnessed an Arizona Black Rattler on this trail. I would have taken a photo, but I was shaking too badly at the time.) Also, respect the wildlife and the wildlife’s habitat by carrying out any trash accumulated on the hike. Be aware that bears have been reported in the area. And please remember the snacks! Eight miles of hiking DEFINITELY calls for a candy bar! 

But most importantly, feel the Freedom of Horton Creek Trail. The Fourth of July, Independence Day, is quickly approaching. Take a walk and enjoy the Freedoms of being able to travel where you want; the Freedom of hiking these great lands; the Freedom from oppression and war; the Freedom to witness the vastness of the magnificent forests set aside for all; and enjoy every aspect of the rights we sometimes take for granted. May FREEDOM ALWAYS RING! 

To reach Horton Creek Trail from Payson, travel on State Highway 260 approximately seventeen miles to the Tonto Creek Road, turning left. After approximately one mile, the trail is marked at the Upper Tonto Creek Campground. 



Wishing you and yours safe travels, safe hiking (WATCH OUT FOR SNAKES), and a very safe and happy Fourth of July! May we always cherish the Freedoms we enjoy.