| |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 6.32 Miles |
446 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.32 Miles | 5 Hrs 21 Mns | | 1.39 mph |
| 446 ft AEG | 49 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Ahh, the Thompson Trail. After years of wanting to hit this one, I finally got my chance this past weekend. My expectations were very high, especially after enjoying the less touted Government Springs Trail the day before.
We arrived about 7am to cool and crispy air with light cloud cover and a mostly empty trailhead. My lovely wife, Lynne, decided to join in on this one as I assured her it was an “easy” one.
The first section is an old road that eventually drops down to the trail along the stream. The White Mountain magic started quickly. The first fish dam was nothing much to write home about, but the second one was really nice. This trail is an open valley with hills on both sides. The creek meanders and the beautiful sentinels of fir and pine dot the Creekside. There are open meadows, and we hit the flower season just in time as all sorts of flowers were blooming.
There was more up and down than I expected and after a rocky little bypass about 1.5 miles in, Lynne opted to stay at the first little camping area we came across. I set her up with her new hiking stool, loaded her up with water and snacks, and my buddy Jackson and I (and his two blood thirsty mountain chihuahuas) continued on.
There were a few minor tree fall obstacles to get over, but the trail was really defined and easy to follow. We started seeing more and more hikers as we continued down towards the junction with the West Fork Loop Trail. A few more campsites, with a big group of backpackers. The creek side would give way to meadows and then back to the creek side.
We made it to the end and started back. We saw a bunch of hikers going back. Lots of families, older folks (like me), and lots of young people, many with doggies.
We made it back to Camp Lynne and she said her little oasis was like a weigh station of the trail as everyone stopped in at the little shady area she had staked out. We hiked back to the trailhead. Lynne’s knees were bothering her, so we took it slowly. No rush when you are in such an idyllic setting.
The trailhead was completely full and there was lots of parking was all along the road. More people starting out as we came back.
I really enjoyed this hike. It lived up to the hype. It’s not the most beautiful hike in Arizona, but it is a truly stunning manifestation of the White Mountains. I have been fortunate these past couple of years to explore this area. It reminds me of my youth growing up in Colorado. We will be back for sure. |
| _____________________
"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 