The Horton Creek's riparian channel supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, from agave cacti to ponderosa pine and butterflies to mule deer.
There were great flat rock spots next to the creek......perfect for a water and snack break.
There were a number of waterfalls along the way.
Some of the trail has eroded to a river of football-sized, red, sparkling sandstone rocks. Our feet hurt at the end of the day!
Grass and ferns line parts of the trail close to the stream.
It was a nice 74 degrees.....just perfect weather for a day of hiking.
The hike leads you to the base of the springs rushing out from beneath a pile of boulders with enough pressure to force you to shout if you attempt conversation.
On our way down we ran into a family with an injured dad. He had slipped on a mossy rock in the stream and badly injured his knee. For some strange reason, their cell phone worked and they called 911. The rangers were working on getting him out. We hiked out with four of the children and the sister of the injured fellow. She needed a ride to her car. They got the call about his injury and quickly closed their camp, each taking a backpack with some supplies. They had to leave their tent, sleeping bags, and most of their food. The kids were real troopers. They didn't complain....just kept walking.
The rangers were going to wheel him out in a basket as this was not an area where a helicopter could operate. An ambulance would be waiting for him at the trailhead. Both Randy and I are wondering how he is doing. We gave them our address just in case they needed a place to stay before returning to the Phoenix area.
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