Horton Creek Loop

Tonto National Forest

Derrick (33), Highline (31), Horton Creek (285)

NOAA forecast: 34.35, -111.08

Distance: 8.5 | Total Elevation Gain: 2010

GPS eXchange (.gpx) | Google Earth (.kml)

Although the Horton Creek Trail is a popular out and back to the spring, this loop adds variety and extends the total distance almost two miles.

Just east of Tonto Creek, inside the Upper Tonto Creek campground, the loop begins on the Derrick trail, climbing a ridge through open forest past the Derrick Spur junction. After some rocky sections through manzanita, the Highline trail bends north against the western slope of Promontory Butte, including several sections of smooth, winding path representing some of the most pleasant hiking under the rim.

Over a small hill, the trail finally meets Horton Creek and the spring area just to the north, both of which invite a little exploring. The Horton Creek Trail is a fast descent through the forest back toward Tonto Creek, but several unofficial trails make detours to the creek for more exploring.