Tonto Fish Hatchery to Horton Spring
Details
Tonto Fish Hatchery to Horton Spring
We will arrive early to the hatchery (approximately 8:30*)* to feed the fishes, eat wild blueberries and then hike to and from the cool, fresh waters of Horton spring.
The trailhead for the hike is at the large parking lot just about a quarter mile south (and outside) the hatchery.
Starting from trailhead 9:15 – 9:30
This popular trail never fails to please. Following Highline trail to shady Horton Creek, this beautiful trail treats hikers to a non-stop show of mountain views, waterfalls, fields of wildflowers (when in season), wild berries and forests of maples, alders and pines.
Please: >>>SERIOUSLY CONSIDER YOUR PACE, STAMINA AND ABILITY TO SAFELY COMPLETE THE HIKE without separating from the group. IF YOU CANNOT STAY REASONABLY TOGETHER WITH the GROUP, THIS is NOT A HIKE FOR YOU.
We'll take the easily followed, shaded section of Highline Trail from Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery to Horton Spring, where fresh water gushing from a rock cliff tumbles over moss-encrusted boulders into the creek. Along the way we will enjoy the scents and sounds of the forest, the views of the Mogollon Rim, and the grassy meadows.
We will stop at the Horton Spring for snacks, the photo-op, and refreshing, clear spring water. After that a walk back to our vehicles.
Please: >>> SERIOUSLY CONSIDER YOUR PACE, STAMINA AND ABILITY TO SAFELY COMPLETE THE HIKE without separating from the group.
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TOTAL DISTANCE: 7-8 miles
ALTITUDE : 6030 to 6756 feet ASL
ACCUMULATED ELEVATION GAIN: 777 feet (approx)
HIKING TIME: 3 to 3.5 hours
STYLE: in-and-out
DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD:
From Payson take 260 East for 16 miles Turn left on Tonto Creek Road (FR289) and drive 4 miles to the Tonto Fish Hatchery.
The trailhead is at the large parking lot just about a quarter mile south (and outside) the hatchery.
Starting from trailhead 9:15 – 9:30
A CARPOOL LOCATION FOR THIS HIKE:
Target store I-17 and Loop 101 : leaving at 6:10 a.m.
How to find us:
In front of Target store close to freeway / Beardsley road.
(see pin on map)
STARTING THE HIKE FROM Tonto Fish Hatchery parking lot: 9:30-ish
VERY IMPORTANT:
(we don't want to leave anyone behind): RSVP - WILL YOU MEET US AT THE carpool OR THE Tonto Fish Hatchery?
UNLESS you CONFIRM that you will meet at THE CARPOOL we expect to SEE YOU AT THE Tonto Fish Hatchery TRAILHEAD.
VERY IMPORTANT TOO: If you sign up for the hike, and you change your mind------just change your RSVP. It helps the host prepare, and its polite.