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Horton Creek Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 367 Google reviews · Running trail in Payson, Arizona · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Horton Creek Trailhead yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular hiking path (also easy) with waterfalls, trees, creeks and pools of water.
What runners say about Horton Creek Trailhead
“Just make sure you clean up after yourself.”
“(Derrick Trail parking) Beautiful creek with flowing water, we didn’t pass 1 person on the trail.”
“There are lots of places to stop and fish along the way, and it makes the whole area feel peaceful and worth exploring.”
“The trail is dog and family friendly.”
“Dog friendly and places to stop for a picnic and bathrooms at the parking lots”
Love this trail it was a moderate hike. We did a 9.5 miles loop. The last mile was the longest somehow but we found our way back to the campground where the trailhead starts. Beautiful all the way with creeks and falls. Didn't see any wildlife but a couple of horses on our way.
One of the best trails on the rim. A lot of the hike is along the creek and it's not too busy. Once you feel you are at the end, make sure you keep going to the spring to get the absolute best water you've ever tasted.
Great easy to moderate trail. Something for all levels of hikers. We backpacked in land spent the night. There were a lot of great spots. One we found could have easily fit 30 people. I loved the there is water available all along the way. We just filtered water as we needed it as we hiked.
Amazing hike at almost 8 miles roundtrip. Headed there early to avoid crowds. Perhaps encountered 5 in all of my hike and that was toward the end of my hike. Lots of trees. Well maintained trail. Beautiful creek sounds. The water coming out of the rocks away a gift to experience. Fantastic skies. Pine smell.
Trail conditions & character
“The last mile does get a bit steeper, but if you up for it the waterfall and spring at the end are pretty amazing.”
“Only about 20 spots to park but if you go back down a bit there is another parking lot you can park at and find a trail from there.”
“I recommend it to anyone who likes hiking or walking their dog for 2-3 hours or even more if you choose different paths.”
“There are lots of places to stop and fish along the way, and it makes the whole area feel peaceful and worth exploring.”
“Dog friendly and places to stop for a picnic and bathrooms at the parking lots”
Plan your run at Horton Creek Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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