Backpack Horton Springs

This is a more scenic and bit more strenuous loop hike to the spring, taking in the Derrick Trail, part of the Highline Trail, and the Horton Creek Trail.After parking the cars near Upper Tonto Creek Campground follow the Derrick Trail and hike gently uphill for 1.4 miles through the rim country to the Highline Trail junction. Then follow the Highline Trail and this is a steep climb with lots of ups and downs, where the most of elevation gain. After hiking the Highline Trail for 2 miles a steep descent into the headwaters of Horton Creek. Here the trail turns right and begins a short half-mile climb to Horton Spring.

There are lot of campsites near the spring and once we setup our campsite we started exploring around the springs. After spending beautiful night, the next day we hiked out through the scenic Horton Creek Trail for 3.5 miles back to the trailhead. This trail runs parallel with Horton Creek all the way to the trailhead, passing many beautiful waterfalls along the way. You can go off-trail at some points to see as many of these waterfalls as possible.