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Derrick Trail #33 - 28 members in 115 triplogs have rated this an average 3 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  Next
115 triplogs
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Jul 27 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 27 2025
LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,600
Hiking9.53 Miles 1,716 AEG
Hiking9.53 Miles   3 Hrs   57 Mns   2.62 mph
1,716 ft AEG      19 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Horton Creek Trail #285
Derrick Trail #33
Partners partners
The_Eagle
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Easy loop today with Janelle and Bruce/Pete/Jonah/whateverhisnameisnow. Headed up Horton first. Saw a few groups of people, but mostly had the trail to ourselves. Some erosion from the fire sort of obscured one turn, but there’s a cairn if you’re paying attention. Took a break at the spring. Watched some barefoot, shirtless guys who were camped near the spring with their dogs and mules.

My first time on this re-routed section of Highline. Definitely not as steep. Noticeable fire damage, and I’m guessing a few spots/corners will see washouts if it ever rains again. Saw a few trail runners, and one guy who asked if we were the ones in the Tremor. Bruce confidently said No. I guess he’s never actually looked at my grey truck before. Saw the shirtless guys again as they rode past us and happily greeted Pete.

Derrick Trail is blah as usual. At least it’s all downhill. Warmer, but at least there was a breeze. We dropped Bruce back off at McDonalds in Payson, found a detour around the worst of the traffic, and had a smooth drive back to the Valley. Good hike with Janelle and Bruce!

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Moist Spring Dripping Dripping
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
  2 archives
Jul 27 2025
avatar

 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 27 2025
The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760
Hiking9.87 Miles 1,579 AEG
Hiking9.87 Miles   3 Hrs   56 Mns   2.66 mph
1,579 ft AEG      13 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
Linked   linked  
Derrick Trail #33
Horton Creek Trail #285
Partners partners
LindaAnn
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Met up with Linda and her friend Janelle to do the Horton-Derrick Loop. Cool, pleasant temps for our 7:30 start as we made our way clockwise toward the spring. We passed three groups already returning from the spring, plus a campsite with a few mules, dudes, and dogs.

We took in the spring, had a snack, and shared stories about Linda. It was my first time hitting the new reroute in this direction—I still like it. The mules, dudes, and dogs passed us and, for some reason, thought my name was Pete or Joshua?

Derrick drags on, but it's necessary to complete the loop. Temps stayed good all day, with a nice breeze. It was great to finally meet Janelle—and oh yeah, hike with Linda again. On the return, Sunday traffic getting to and through Payson was a total CF.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Cutleaf Coneflower  Yellow Columbine
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Moist Spring
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Jul 13 2025
avatar

 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 13 2025
pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290
Hiking
Hiking
 
Linked   linked  
Derrick Trail #33
Highline Trail #31
Promontory Trail #278
Promontory Butte 7914
Horton Creek Trail #285
Partners none no partners
  1 archive
May 20 2025
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 20 2025
DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,374
Hiking9.57 Miles 1,608 AEG
Hiking9.57 Miles   4 Hrs   5 Mns   2.50 mph
1,608 ft AEG      15 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Derrick Trail #33
Highline Trail #31
Horton Creek Trail #285
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
It had been several years since I have done this hike, so I decided to head up there while there was still a bit of springtime weather.

I parked at the Derrick TH and did the loop CCW.

I thought that the Derrick Trail and the Highline Trail were in great shape and I enjoyed that portion of the hike. The area around Horton Spring was nice, as always. The Horton Creek Trail was rockier than I remembered it and it is in need of some tread work.

It was a nice day to be below the rim.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Indian Paintbrush
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Steller's Jay
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Bridge
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Horton Creek  Horton Spring
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
May 08 2025
avatar

 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 08 2025
The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760
Hiking9.89 Miles 1,608 AEG
Hiking9.89 Miles   4 Hrs   9 Mns   2.49 mph
1,608 ft AEG      11 Mns Break5 LBS Pack
 
Linked   linked  
Derrick Trail #33
Horton Creek Trail #285
Partners partners
Tortoise_Hiker
wallyfrack
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I joined the giddy Sir Turtle and Superstition Waldo for a hike in the cool country.

Starting at 7:20, the temps were really comfy in the low 50s. That climb up Derrick to meet the Highline is always deceptively steep. The Turtle set the pace and got us to the Highline super quick.

From there, we blew right past the turn for the Promontory Trail. Then we started noticing the Highline had been freshly groomed. Not only that, but looking at the official track, they did a major reroute. Checked online, and it was done in Dec 2024. It cuts out some of the AEG and adds a little mileage. It's actually a pretty nice job of contouring around what we used to go over. It's rerouted all the way to Horton Springs.

At Horton Springs, we hung out for a bit, snapped some photos, and tried to get our $5 from Denny.
[ youtube video ]

From there, it was an easy 4.5 miles back to the trailhead.

Good times with these less couth boneheads. 68 degrees at the finish.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Arizona Blackberry

dry East Fork Horton Creek Dry Dry

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Horton Spring Gallon + per minute Gallon + per minute
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
  2 archives
May 08 2025
avatar

 Routes 93
 Photos 7,758
 Triplogs 1,691

64 male
 Joined Mar 11 2003
 AZ
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 08 2025
wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,691
Hiking9.89 Miles 1,608 AEG
Hiking9.89 Miles   4 Hrs   9 Mns   2.49 mph
1,608 ft AEG      11 Mns Break
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Derrick Trail #33
Horton Creek Trail #285
Partners partners
The_Eagle
Tortoise_Hiker
A nice loop hike near Payson. With these guys it was more like the Derelict loop but there were few witnesses to the antics. The hike up the Derrick trail was in cool temps and you got to satisfy your AEG hunger right off. :sweat:

The trail was in good shape but there was the sticky mud that added some weight to your shoes just to keep you honest. Denny stopped for a short break a few times. Bruce told me breaks were cheaper than a new transmission so something to ponder.

Once on the Highline trail I mentioned having hiked this with Denny back when but didn't remember this section. The section was smooth, flat and rock free. Bruce looked at his GPS and discovered we were on a rerouted section. We stopped at the intersections of the old route and noticed you could see the old trail.

Upon arriving at Horton Spring we checked out the spring of course. Denny developed a fascination with fish and wanted a photo of one in the water. The quest was unsuccessful but killed some time.

From Horton Spring on down we saw some hikers and backpackers coming up. We momentarily took a few wrong turns but found our way back to the car. No silver alert was issued.

It was fun to get out and hike with the boys. Thanks to Denny for driving.


_____________________
  2 archives
May 08 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 08 2025
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,652
Hiking9.89 Miles 1,608 AEG
Hiking9.89 Miles   4 Hrs   9 Mns   2.49 mph
1,608 ft AEG      11 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Derrick Trail #33
Horton Creek Trail #285
Partners partners
The_Eagle
wallyfrack
Wally and I headed up to where Eagles soar! Bruce, Wally and I hiked the loop counter clockwise. The ground had signs of recent rain with some mud here and there. Nothing bad enough to sink in or harm the trail when we hiked, in my opinion. The climb up Derrek hasn't lessened! :o Once we hit Highline, I thought it leveled off but the climb went on for a little more. :? :D We missed the turn for purgatory so we skipped it today. :o . After being on the Highline for awhile Wally said this part seemed pretty smooth and he didn't remember it from when we hike the whole Highline. He also remembered Booneman saying how rocky it could get when he ran the Zane Grey 50. Well, Booneman will love this section now. Pretty smooth. Turns out Bruce looked at the route and this section was rerouted. I'll miss one nice section of Maples that got bypassed but not the aeg! Once we hit Horton we looked for fish by the footbridge and checked out the spring. We saw two small trout and the spring looked nice as ever. Saw the first hiker of the day after that. Took some pics and a break then headed down Horton Trail. Downhill from here albeit rocky. Checked out the Apple tree on the way out. It had blossoms so maybe some Apples this year. Great loop hike! Along with great weather and company, it made for quite an enjoyable outing! Thanks gentlemen! Like HAZ, you rock!!
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
May 05 2024
avatar

 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 05 2024
trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,660
Hiking9.25 Miles 1,950 AEG
Hiking9.25 Miles   3 Hrs   20 Mns   2.92 mph
1,950 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Horton Creek Trail #285
Highline Trail #31
Derrick Trail #33
Partners partners
johnlp
john and i parked at derrick and walked up the road to horton creek trail
set out around 0700
first time going clockwise on the loop, although i've been up and down horton creek trail a few times
temps in 40s to start, started getting windy near horton springs
lots of water in horton creek
we saw three backpackers coming out and a couple other hikers
starting this direction cuts down on the number of people encountered
quite a few people camping along the creek
we took a few photos and spent some time wandering around the springs area
some ups and downs on highline and an easy downhill on derrick to finish the loop
saw just eight people on these trails
mid 60s by the time we finished
very windy
everything was nice and green
we timed this hike so that we would roll into payson at 1100 when the thai restaurant opens
home by 1300
pretty nice morning john, thanks!
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Horton Creek
_____________________
hazhole
 
May 05 2024
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 05 2024
johnlp • Triplogs 5,208
Hiking9.25 Miles 1,950 AEG
Hiking9.25 Miles   3 Hrs   20 Mns   2.92 mph
1,950 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Horton Creek Trail #285
Highline Trail #31
Derrick Trail #33
Partners partners
trekkin_gecko
Kelly has been hankering for Derrick-Horton for a couple weeks now, so I gave in.
Nice and cool when we got started. A bit breezy morphing into windy conditions as the day moved along.
Quite a few campers along the creek per usual. Not many on the trails while we passed through.
Lots of water in the creek. Very pretty. Good hike. Thanks Kelly. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
May 04 2024
avatar

 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 04 2024
pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290
Hiking12.54 Miles 3,331 AEG
Hiking12.54 Miles   5 Hrs   9 Mns   2.59 mph
3,331 ft AEG      18 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Horton Creek Trail #285
Highline Trail #31
Promontory Trail #278
Promontory Butte 7914
Derrick Trail #33
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
More challenging loop with the delightful Promontory Butte addon. Trails are somewhat ragged with deadfall as compared to normal. Rating this loop four stars or higher is a stretch considering it's mostly forest bathing (like the overrated Cabin Loop). All the unnecessary cairns that were along the rim are gone. Apparently the COHPing crowd is as strange as P1K peakers.
  5 archives
Apr 27 2024
avatar

 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 27 2024
LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,600
Hiking9.82 Miles 1,963 AEG
Hiking9.82 Miles   4 Hrs   24 Mns   2.30 mph
1,963 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Horton Creek Trail #285
Highline Trail #31
Derrick Trail #33
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Got started from the Derrick trailhead around 0830. 46 degrees, cloudy, light drizzle—my definition of delightful. Headed up Horton Creek trail. Saw a few runners, doing I think the Zane Grey run. Saw several groups of backpackers. Trail is in good shape, as usual. Lots of water flowing in the creek.

Headed south on Highline. Saw more runners, and a few backpackers. The occasional drizzle switched to graupel, which Jill had never heard of. I would think a Canadian would be familiar with all the frozen forms of precipitation, but what do I know?

Easy descent down Derrick. Heavier graupel. Muddy trail. Finished up just before 1300. 44 degrees—even better. Nice loop, good day.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Horton Creek Medium flow Medium flow
Plenty of water in Horton Creek,
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Sep 19 2023
avatar

 Guides 187
 Routes 989
 Photos 12,068
 Triplogs 864

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Derrick Highline Horton Loop, AZ 
Derrick Highline Horton Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 19 2023
markthurman53 • Triplogs 864
Hiking10.80 Miles 2,032 AEG
Hiking10.80 Miles   6 Hrs   44 Mns   1.69 mph
2,032 ft AEG      21 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Derrick Trail #33
Derrick - Horton Loop
Partners partners
mamakatt22
On our first full day in Payson we decided to hike the Derrick, Highline, Horton Loop. Got started about 9 to a nice lower 70’s temperature. Steady climb for the 3 miles of the Derrick Trail and the continuing for the next mile along the Highline Trail to the Promontory Trail. The Promontory is a steep climb up to the rim. I told Ginny we weren’t going to do that (much to her disappointment). The highline to Horton Creek from here is a little downhill and more uphill before really going downhill to the east Fork of Horton Creek. East Fork Horton was dry and we took a break there. Just one more small hill to go over to get to Horton Creek. I had completely forgotten about Horton Spring but once I got to the creek crossing I suddenly remembered the spring, Don’t know how I could forget about the spring, such a cool place. Every bit of water in Horton Creek comes gushing out of the ground there. From Horton Spring we headed down the Horton Creek Trail to our start point. Made a couple of side trips along Horton Creek where the falls are. Horton Creek was running pretty good until just before the end of the trail where it disappeared under ground again.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Horton Spring Gallon + per minute Gallon + per minute
_____________________
 
Aug 12 2023
avatar

 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Promontory plus, AZ 
Promontory plus, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 12 2023
pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290
Hiking19.42 Miles 3,542 AEG
Hiking19.42 Miles   6 Hrs   51 Mns   3.01 mph
3,542 ft AEG      24 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Derrick Trail #33
Promontory Trail #278
Promontory Butte 7914
See Canyon Trail #184
Highline Trail #31
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Nice burn before the crazy monsoon deluge. Also didn't know that the Promontory area was closed.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Arizona Black Rattlesnake  Dog
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Christopher Creek
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Rain
  9 archives
Jul 29 2023
avatar

 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 29 2023
pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290
Hiking8.82 Miles 1,775 AEG
Hiking8.82 Miles   3 Hrs   35 Mns   2.61 mph
1,775 ft AEG      12 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Horton Creek Trail #285
Highline Trail #31
Derrick Trail #33
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Mellow pace with Kriket and Dese with another bear encounter along the Highline before the Promontory junction. This one, also scared of us, decided to quickly climb a tree and just wait us out.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max East Fork Horton Creek Medium flow Medium flow
  7 archives
Jun 24 2023
avatar

 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Derrick Spur Trail #32Payson, AZ
Derrick Spur Trail #32
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 24 2023
pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290
Hiking2.17 Miles 473 AEG
Hiking2.17 Miles      46 Mns   2.83 mph
473 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Derrick Trail #33
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Sofa king lame! Did I just get punked? I wouldn't wish this route on my worst enemy. Half a star because of the nice flowers, but I'm never getting those 46 min. back.
  2 archives
May 23 2023
avatar

 Guides 93
 Routes 397
 Photos 4,984
 Triplogs 4,124

49 male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 23 2023
fricknaley • Triplogs 4,124
Hiking9.60 Miles 1,950 AEG
Hiking9.60 Miles
1,950 ft AEG
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Derrick Trail #33
Horton Creek Trail #285
Highline Trail #31
Partners none no partners
we went up derrick trail and the girls decided they wanted to go ahead and do the loop. no complaints from me. the green of the maples on the highline was staggering. had lunch along the creek near the springs. hardly saw anyone all day. glorious trails, glorious weather, best company imaginable - what more could you ask for?
_____________________
hi
  2 archives
Apr 19 2023
avatar

 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Horton Super Loop PlusPayson, AZ
Horton Super Loop Plus
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 19 2023
pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290
Hiking14.72 Miles 3,163 AEG
Hiking14.72 Miles   6 Hrs   9 Mns   2.66 mph
3,163 ft AEG      37 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   6 linked trail guides
Derrick Trail #33
Highline Trail #31
Promontory Trail #278
Promontory Butte 7914
Horton Creek Trail #285
Horton Springs Trail #292
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Unfortunately, gpsjoe is no longer able to defend the name of this route, but using Super and Plus in the title seems redundant and a little silly. Don't get me wrong, this is a nice route, but I'd usually save Super for routes that are greater than twenty miles and I'm not sure what the plus means. Anyway, getting to Promontory Butte wasn't much trouble, but I couldn't enjoy my first beer there because it was so cold and windy. This actually was a blessing because once hiking north away from the rim, the snow was 3-4 feet deep in many places and as Chumley stated in a recent trip report, "annoying to cross". However, since we'd picked a colder day and started early, we lucked out and most of the drifts were still frozen solid. The snow coverage seemed to increase as we made our way north through the squishy forest roads. I was betting that once reaching FR300 the hike would get easier. It did, so I celebrated by drinking a beer and dried out some in the sun. The road was still very snowy, but something had drove over it and had packed down two tracks (snowcat?) that made the hiking easier. The descent of Horton Springs was fast after stopping for a snack and another beer. Horton Creek was turbid and raging, but I think more water was originating from the east tributary than the spring. The trail is damaged (eroded and rocky) in many places and there is a lot of deadfall now. The final crossing near the campground takes some skill to cross without getting wet. Four star route Joe, RIP.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Trash Hauled Out
  3 archives
Apr 08 2023
avatar

 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 08 2023
LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,600
Hiking9.42 Miles 2,053 AEG
Hiking9.42 Miles   4 Hrs   17 Mns   2.36 mph
2,053 ft AEG      17 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Horton Creek Trail #285
Derrick Trail #33
Highline Trail #31
Partners partners
RedChrisB
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Parked at the Derrick trailhead, and got started around 0730. Walked over to Horton and started the loop clockwise. Two reasons for that direction—I like to do Horton early before the crowds appear, and I knew there would be snow on the north facing slopes of Highline and going this direction would only have me dealing with snow on uphill sections, which I prefer.

Horton has seen some weather, and erosion has the trail a little rockier than the smooth trail it usually is. No big deal. The creek is flowing strong, which was pleasant. The water crossing at the beginning of the trail was deeper than normal, and validated my choice to wear waterproof socks. I simply walked through the water, feet stayed dry; Chris was a little more careful in his attempt to mostly stay dry.

There were some weirdos camping at the spring. They were friendly, and tried to chat, but gave off a very uncomfortable vibe, so we quickly looked at the spring, then headed south on Highline. Most of the drainages were flowing, but easy to stay dry. Since the snow was all on uphill portions, it was fairly easy to negotiate. Saw one horned lizard.

Debated heading up to Promontory, but opted to skip it today. Quick hike down the boring Derrick trail, which gets a little annoying with the rocks, but is no brainer walking, so it’s not worth complaining about. Full trailheads and vehicles parked along the road when we finished, but we only saw six or seven people on the entire loop. Nice day, and some new territory for Chris.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Horned Lizard

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Horton Creek Heavy flow Heavy flow
Plenty of water along the entire length of Horton Creek
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
 
Nov 12 2022
avatar

 Routes 17
 Photos 142
 Triplogs 10

45 male
 Joined Jun 26 2017
 Payson, Arizona
Derrick - Highline - Promontory, AZ 
Derrick - Highline - Promontory, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 12 2022
PaysonRealtorAZ • Triplogs 10
Hiking8.70 Miles 2,435 AEG
Hiking8.70 Miles   5 Hrs   22 Mns   1.62 mph
2,435 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Derrick Trail #33
Highline Trail #31
Promontory Trail #278
Partners none no partners
I took the Derrick Trail from Tonto Fish Hatchery Road to the Highline Trail, and then took that a little ways to the Promontory Trail. I then spent a little bit of time on top of Promontory Butte enjoying the great views. It was an awesome adventure but also very grueling. Derrick Trail had a little bit of mud but not too bad. Highline was in good shape. The Promontory Trail was mostly marked good but also had a lot of leaf litter on it.

The Promontory Trail has an especially large elevation gain - ~1,100 feet over .75 miles. A grind but the views make it worthwhile.

The official trail gps from this site for the Derrick and Promontory Trails were very helpful. The Highline is pretty self explanatory.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
A lot of fall leaf litter on the Promontory Trail. Still a little bit of fall colors - there was one really good spot on the Highline Trail not too far from the Promontory Trail.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation None
No wildflowers observed
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Aug 28 2022
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 Guides 10
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67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Derrick - Horton LoopPayson, AZ
Derrick - Horton Loop
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 28 2022
trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,660
Hiking9.25 Miles 1,950 AEG
Hiking9.25 Miles
1,950 ft AEG
 
Linked   linked  
Derrick Trail #33
Highline Trail #31
Horton Creek Trail #285
Partners partners
johnlp
john and i left town around 0445, setting out up derrick trail at 0630
cool temps, very damp due to heavy rain saturday
trail was a bit muddy in places
moderate grade up to the highline trail, then some ups and downs to horton creek
wandered around the spring and creek for awhile
more water coming out of the upper spring than usual
took our time heading back down horton creek
started seeing people, but fewer than usual
higher flow in the creek from all the rain
drainages were still running and the trail was damp
very green, still cool when we finished
nice to get out of town with good company
thanks, john
good times!
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hazhole
 
average hiking speed 2.48 mph
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