Arizona Trailblazers - Trip Report

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Horton Spring Day Hike
September 30, 2006
by Debbie M.

Relieved to finally feel the promise of cooler weather, sixteen Trailblazers set off to hike along the Horton Creek north of Payson.

Rocks and Rills of Horton Creek

    After hibernating Arizona-style throughout the summer, this was the first hike in several months for many of us.

    Fourteen people carpooled up from the valley: Anne, Chuck, Rusty, Della, Carol, Karen, Beth, Ted, Doug, Michael, Rudy, Wayne, Dev, and hike leader Debbie.

    Two more hikers, Mike and Max, joined us at the trailhead.

The hike begins at the Upper Tonto Creek campground and meanders along Horton Creek, ending at the springs.

The group settled into the easy camaraderie that often comes from sharing time with others who enjoy the outdoors.

Strategy session: we’ve made it halfway to the top.

Autumnal Glory on the Horton Creek Trail

With a warm (not hot) sun spilling through the lush green from above, the gurgling rush of the water, and sensuous quiet of being away from the city, all were in high spirits.

The hike offers several different routes.

The group split up along the way, some taking the high road, others opting for the less rocky path down by the creek.

I’ll take the high road, and you’ll take the low road.

A Congenial Hiking Group

Both routes offer spectacular views with an occasional splash of red leaves bringing the promise of the brilliant fall leaves in the near future. Most of the trail is a gradual incline, with the steepest section being at the very end.

The group lunched up by Horton Springs; then some decided to hike up a bit further to check out the view from the top of the ridge line (which was spectacular).

The hike measured just under 7 miles.
All were back to the trailhead by 2:00 PM.

Some noteworthy events from this hike include:

Zeke, the black Lab enthusiastically pulling the hike leader up the steeper slopes: without him, the hike would likely have been shortened.
An amateur photographer, balancing precariously on the slippery rocks by the springs, with the intent of getting the most intimate shot of the springs.
One very unruly hiker being seized by wanderlust on several occasions.
A hiker new to the club who, recovering from a recent solo hike where he suffered some directional challenges, decided to join the safety of a group only to discover that the hike leader had never hiked Horton Creek and was prone to her own geographical dyslexia.

Look! I made it to the spring and didn’t fall in.

fallen log

Beware the Horton Creek Monster!

Escape to the coolness of Horton Creek.

    Once again I can say, the weather was perfect, the scenery spectacular, and the company most enjoyable. It is days like this that remind us all what living in the moment really means.

    Special thanks to Chuck, Ted, Beth, and Rusty for your help with this hike and a welcome to all of the newcomers. We hope to see you again on another hike.

    Photos courtesy of Wayne Shimata, Mike Andreson, and Ted Tenny.

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updated October 8, 2006

Horton Spring Day Hike September 30, 2006 by Debbie M.

Horton Spring Day Hike
September 30, 2006
by Debbie M.