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Hi All! I'm just loving this site! We are planning a day trip out of Phoenix tomorrow, and I need a trail with water. Our dog (Jack Russell) does great in hot weather, as long as there's water. So it looks as though it's between these two. They both sound great, but Fossil Springs sounds more difficult.

Any advice as to which would be best for just a relaxing day out of Phoenix?

Thanks so much!

In response to Rileydog's reply:
If you want relaxing, do Horton Springs. The Fossil springs trail is a bit hotter overall with less tree cover, is slightly more difficult of a trail and there is only water at the end of the trail.

Horton springs has several points where the trail meets the stream and your dog can play.

Hit the Horton Springs trail, take lots of pictures, then tell us about it when you're back.

Thanks Olesma! That was what I was thinking...

Planning a picnic lunch for tomorrow. Will take pics. (Just have to figure out how to post! LOL!!)

Guaranteed. You all will love it.

Get an early start though. The place fills up pretty good on the weekends. The parking lot isn't very big. Also, make sure you take as many trails to the right you can find on the way to the spring.

Absolutely agree. Any time you find a small trail leading off to the right on your way to the spring - take it. Hikers have found som pretty spectacular spots over the years, and their feet keep leading them back.

The parking situation is also spot on. I recommend trying to get as early a start as possible - the trail does get some traffic, so if you get there early, you get good parking, and the trail mostly to yourself.

I usually aim to get to the parking lot by 8:30 or 9:00.

olesma wrote:Absolutely agree. Any time you find a small trail leading off to the right on your way to the spring - take it. Hikers have found some pretty spectacular spots over the years, and their feet keep leading them back.

You will see why too.

Another suggestion, when the main trail starts to get rocky (lots of loose rocks and such), head off to your right, or up on the ridge to your left. Your ankles (and the pooch paws) will enjoy it so much more.

Thanks again for all of the tips! You guys are great.

One thing....my DH has an appt tomorrow am, so we won't be able to leave until 9:00 at the earliest. So say we don't get there till 11:00 or so, will we still be able to find parking? We figured we'd just take our time and make an afternoon of it. Bad idea?

TIA!

Thanks everyone for telling me about this place. What a wonderful escape from the heat. It was as beautiful as everyone said. Can't wait to try Fossil Creek...thinking perhaps in about a month or so for that one.

I'm going to figure out how to add the pics... Oh wait.... I'll just add the link! Here they are.......
http://hikearizona.com/photocodeZOOM.php?ID=783

In response to Rileydog's reply:

Just keep your dog on a leash in Fossil Creek -- there are javelina, coyotes, porcupines, and mountain lions in there, all of which can do a number on a dog. I saw a porcupine on my last hike in there, near the big falls.

That said, Fossil Creek is a fantastic hike. Bring a swimsuit and enjoy the water. It's doable in the heat if you follow the creek and go for a swim every quarter mile or so ... it's one of my favorite summer hikes, actually, because the swimming holes are so great.

Leva