Hike And Camp At This Enchanting Arizona Trail That Leads To A Secluded Swimming Hole

Most people think of Arizona as a land of prickly deserts and wily coyotes howling at the moon. You'll find these, of course, but heading north from the heat-baked Valley of the Sun, one enters a wilderness of thickly forested mountains and sparkling streams and lakes, with endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. This area is around 120 miles northeast of Phoenix along the Mogollon Rim, a transition zone between the lower Sonoran Desert and the higher elevations of the Colorado Plateau, where iconic spots like the Grand Canyon and the popular Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are located.

While hundreds of hiking, camping, and swimming areas exist along the Mogollon Rim, one of the most heavenly is Horton Creek, a perennial stream flowing through a lush canyon dappled with bright wildflowers in season. The Horton Creek Trail is a winding path that traces the creek through a Ponderosa pine forest mixed with junipers and aspen. The serene beauty and mixed terrain of this place will delight just about every nature lover, from novices to experienced hikers and furry friends. If you live in or are visiting the Phoenix metro area, this is an ideal place to escape to if the heat is dragging you down, with camping and lodging options nearby if you decide you want to stick around for a while. Why wouldn't you? 

While most people love this easy-to-moderate trail, it's particularly well-suited for families looking for a fun break in nature: "The tall trees and mountain stream are a perfect place to get away as a family. My daughters loved playing in the creek searching for creatures, throwing rocks and just being silly. Easy place to get to and feel like we were all by ourselves," said one Tripadvisor reviewer. To reach the trailhead, head east from Payson on State Route 260. After 17 miles, turn left on Tonto Creek Road (Forest Road 289). Drive one more mile to the Upper Tonto Creek Campground, where you'll find the trailhead. 

For many, this trail is more about the journey than the destination, with lovely spots along the creek where you can stop, relax, and splash around. That said, more ambitious hikers can hike a steeper section of trail to the creek's headwaters, four (and some change) miles upstream, where a 30-foot waterfall pours into the stream from the side of the mountain. This is a great spot to take a dip, but please note that the water here (and in other parts of the stream) is usually not deep enough for diving or full-body immersion. Also, note that poison ivy grows in this area, so take steps to avoid the pesky plant when moving through dense foliage. 

If you decide to spend more time in this stunning area, backcountry campsites are available along the trail for backpackers. There are also campsites, toilets, and drinking water available in an established campground at the trailhead, the Upper Tonto Creek Campground. If you prefer an actual roof over your head while you're sleeping, a range of lodging options are available 20 miles down the road in Payson, the main town in Rim Country. If you've worked up an appetite, you'll also find a smattering of steakhouses and other restaurants around here.  

While ambling around Payson, you'll notice that the flavor of this town is strikingly Old Western. Judging by the proliferation of fast-food chains and other creature comforts, modernity arrived in these parts quite some time ago. However, the town holds its heritage near and dear to its heart, which you can appreciate by attending its annual rodeo — the "World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo" — or visiting its Rim Country Museum. One of the museum's most prized exhibits — the Zane Grey Cabin — celebrates the life of Payson's famous former resident, who penned the classic "Riders of the Purple Sage" and other Western adventure novels. Beyond Payson, there's plenty more Rim Country to explore, including the Water Wheel Falls Trail, another epic hike with waterfalls and swimming holes.