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Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide
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If a gradual climb to a natural spring in the Mogollon Rim area appeals to you, this is your hike. This hike is located near Payson, AZ. From the Phoenix area, take HWY 87 North towards Payson. Once in Payson, take HWY 260 east toward Kohl's Ranch, AZ. The left turn for the trailhead is a not so well marked road just after Kohl's Ranch (the sign is for the Tonto Creek Campground). Take the road about five miles until you reach the Horton Picnic area. You can park in the camping parking lot. The trailhead is along the creek. Be Aware of: There may be some grazing bulls in the area. The horns are sharp, so give them a wide berth. 30 yr old Recommendation: Forest, creek, climb, and a fresh mountain spring. This is a Moderate hike. The scenery here is great and the spring is worth the hike. Drink deeply, as the water is fantastic. This is a well marked trail. Kid approved. Elevation change: about 1200 ft gradual climb. Distance: 7.0 miles to the spring and back again. Time: It took us a leisurely five hours with a 45 minute stop at the top for exploring and lunch. Time of year: fall, summer, spring Solitude: You'll see a few people on this hike. Expect to meet 15-30 people on this hike during a weekend. This is a great hike to escape the Phoenix heat in the summer. The trail runs through a pine forest. For the first mile or so, the trail skirts a bubbling creek. There's a good climb toward the end of the hike, with a number of switchbacks that gains most of the hike's elevation. The end of the hike features a pure forest spring. Fill up your water here and enjoy the day. Be sure to explore the spring area, as there's more than one spring.
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