Horton Creek

Today, I rode with the Payson ride group.  We met at a convenient store in Star Valley, where we loaded up on drinks and snacks.  Afterwards, we piled into Matt's truck and drove up Hwy 260 towards the Mogollon Rim.  In the truck, Matt asked if I had ever ridden the Horton Creek Trail.  I told him that I had not, but that I had heard a lot about it.  In fact, the day before the ride I asked Mick whether I should take my SS or my Firebird.  Mick suggested the Firebird and I'm glad he did.

We drove about 25 minuted up towards the trail head.  The higher we climbed up the rode, the more the scenery transformed into lush forest.  Fall is quickly changing into winter here, but there remains smalls bursts of orange, red, and yellow leaves on the trees.  At the trailhead, we changed into our riding gear and prepared for our assent. Soon, we made our way onto the dirt trail covered in fall leaves and pine needles.  Paralleling the trail is Horton Creek.  The water in the creek comes from a natural spring that spills small amounts of water into the creek bed throughout the year.   Riding up the trail with the sound of running water and rustling trees is a pleasant experience.  It made me glad I had left my headphones at home.

The trail itself is mostly dirt and rock, with the occasional tree root.  It was a welcome site after riding so much in the desert.  The trail winds through the forest at a steady incline.  There are a few sets of switchbacks that test your lungs, but overall the climb is managable.  After three miles or so, the trail gets steep for one last pitch, where it terminates into the Highline Trail.  At the top, there is a nice flat area near the creek where we caught our breath, drank our water, and prepared for the decent back to the truck.

The decent was thrill ride filled with technical rock gardens, root jumps, and pine tree slaloms.   The boys kept a nice fast pace and did a good job showing me the lines.  I did go over the bars on a slow steep section, but it was a low impact fall that didn't leave a scratch.  Once back at the truck, I was all smiles.  I felt like someone had let me in on a fantastic secret.  I had no idea we had such fun trails near Payson.  Horton Creek is one trail I can't wait to ride again and hope to ride often.  I'm not sure if the winter weather will a make riding up there unpleasant, but I can't wait to find out.

Strava Data.

 Trees- a nice break from desert riding.

Matt contemplating riding his bike over the creek.