Overview
Thompson Peak Rd. doubles as a service road to the summit of Thompson Peak and a hiking trail to the summit. The trail connects the Dixie Mine Trail to the summit of Thompson Peak, the 3rd highest peak in the McDowell Mountains.
Hike
Thompson Peak is the most recognizable peak in the McDowell Mountains due to its height and to the communication antennae and towers atop the peak. Thompson Peak Rd. runs 2.3 miles from the Dixie Mine Trail to the Thompson Peak summit, gaining around 1,700' in elevation over that distance. The road is really, really steep in places, and some segments of the road are paved in order to enable service vehicles to get up to and down from the summit.
At some points the grade of the road is 35-40 degrees, making it a really tough (some would say brutal) ascent and descent. If you are training for Cactus to Clouds, Rim-to-Rim, or another similar hike, or if you simply want a good workout, hiking this road/trail is a good choice.
Hiking this road is best in cooler weather. There is lots of sun exposure, and if you hike it in hot weather you'd best be in good shape and have plenty of water.
One other piece of advice: make sure your shoes are tightly tied for the descent!
When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
To hike The closest trailhead to the Thompson Peak Rd. is the Golden Eagle Trailhead in Fountain Hills. The address is 14425 E Golden Eagle Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.
To get to the Trailhead, from Shea Blvd. in Fountain Hills take Palisades Blvd north for 3 miles. Turn left at Golden Eagle Blvd. and go another 3 miles to a Guard Station; trailhead parking will be on the left just before the station.
You will have to walk 0.6 miles through the Eagle's Nest Community to get to the Dixie Mine Trailhead. The trailhead is the entrance to the McDowell Mountain Regional Park(MMRP). Pay a $2 per person fee and go on the Dixie Mine Trail for about 2 miles until you come to a "T" junction. At the junction the Dixie Mine Trail continues to the right, and Thompson Peak Rd. will start if you take a left. Follow the road for 2.3 miles to the top of Thompson Peak.
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