Eighteen hikers assembled in Payson from various parts of the Valley and caravanned to the Horton Trailhead. Even at 8 AM the official parking lot was full, so we redirected to the Derrick parking area.

The weather was fresh and cool and a nice change from the April heat of Phoenix. We started our hike on the Derrick trail—a quick up up up through reddish rocks and interesting trees.

About 3 miles in we reached the Highline junction. At this point we were informed that a 50 mile Zane Grey trail running race was happening along the Highline. The runners were going to the Fish Hatchery and back. We began to encounter runners at various speeds, but spaced out enough and friendly enough that it did not negatively impact the hike. It just meant a lot more people on the this normally remote part of the hike.

We went up and down along the trail as it became more green and piney. It was noticeably less green than in the winter, though, even at this cusp of hot weather time. Finally, after 6 miles, and a lot of runners making their way back from the Hatchery, we reached the spring. We crossed the log bridge and collapsed on the other side, happy to have a break to eat and enjoy the abundance of running water.

After a sufficient rest, we started back down the Horton Trail, which was surprisingly empty. We took opportunities to enjoy the waterfalls and bubbling creek noises and made it back to the cars around 2 PM.

Twelve of us went to lunch at the Buffalo place in Payson and enjoyed great fries, homemade ginger ale and elk burgers. We all agreed that it was a great day to hike in the pines.