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Thompson Peak Rd - MSP - 8 members in 323 triplogs have rated this an average 2.9 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 17  Next
323 triplogs
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Apr 18 2025
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Golden Eagle Loop - Fountain HillsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 18 2025
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking11.46 Miles 1,688 AEG
Hiking11.46 Miles   5 Hrs   16 Mns   2.56 mph
1,688 ft AEG      47 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I decided to stay close to home and do this lasso loop hike. I did the loop clockwise, and added in an 0ut-and-back ascent of Bell Pass.

The temps were cool and there was lots of cloud cover, so it was a great morning for a hike.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Thompson Peak
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sunburst  Sunrise
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
As has been the case this spring, there were some ocotillo flowers but not much else.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
  1 archive
Apr 03 2025
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ 
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 03 2025
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking9.31 Miles 1,507 AEG
Hiking9.31 Miles   3 Hrs   58 Mns   2.62 mph
1,507 ft AEG      25 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I had a dental appointment early this morning and didn't get to the TH until almost noon, but it was a nice afternoon for a hike.

I saw a few people coming back to the TH in the first mile, but did not see anyone after that.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
I saw a few ocotillo flowers and a few flowers on some strawberry hedgehogs, but that was it.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Apr 02 2025
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 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
MSP loop, AZ 
MSP loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 02 2025
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking
Hiking
 
no photosets
1st trip
  9 archives
Feb 28 2025
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Thompson Peak, AZ 
Thompson Peak, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 28 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking13.19 Miles 3,837 AEG
Hiking13.19 Miles   4 Hrs   7 Mns   3.28 mph
3,837 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
john suggested a hike in the mcdowell mountains this morning
we set out from gateway around 0715
gateway loop, bell pass, prospector, cut over early to hit the road
two good ascents for a nice helping of aeg
didn't spend long on the summit
still a lot of dust in the air
back the same way
a lot of people once on gateway loop
refreshments at the car then lunch in old town scottsdale
nice morning, good idea, thanks john :)
_____________________
hazhole
 
Feb 28 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Thompson Peak, AZ 
Thompson Peak, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 28 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking13.19 Miles 3,837 AEG
Hiking13.19 Miles   4 Hrs   7 Mns   3.28 mph
3,837 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 no routes
Partners partners
trekkin_gecko
Every time you hike Thompson Peak you realize how much better shape you could be in. The last quarter mile up to the peak is killer.
Kelly and I got started from the Gateway trailhead just behind the early crowd. Shade until we got to Bell Pass.
Once on Prospector we took a cairned use trail over to the service road, cutting off a chunk of mileage.
A nice breeze going up the road to the peak made for less of a sweat fest.
Hazy skies all around from the wind the last couple days. Saw a brittlebush with two flowers!
Kelly pushed the pace on the return trip as ice cold NAs awaited us in the car.
Lunch after. Good day. Thanks Kelly! :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Feb 07 2025
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ 
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 07 2025
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking9.35 Miles 1,429 AEG
Hiking9.35 Miles   4 Hrs   12 Mns   2.59 mph
1,429 ft AEG      35 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I decided to stay close to home this morning and do this hike to get a bit of exercise.

It was kinda cool at the start but it warmed up quickly. There was some decent cloud cover which made the warmer temps tolerable.

I did not see anyone early on, but on the way back there were quite a few people out on the trail. Snowbird season is in full swing!
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Feb 01 2025
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
McDowell Reds, AZ 
McDowell Reds, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 01 2025
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking10.00 Miles 3,166 AEG
Hiking10.00 Miles
3,166 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
This was a hike to 3 "red peaks" in the McDowell Mountains. In the @azhiker456 vernacular, a red peak is a ranked peak, i.e. a peak with 300+ feet of prominence.

In sequence, our 3 peaks on the hike are listed below.
1) Peak 3804
2) Peak 3702, aka Doubletop Mountain
3) Thompson Peak

We started from the Golden Eagle TH in Fountain Hills and did a clockwise lasso loop. After going through the Eagles Nest subdivision we got on the Dixie Mine Trail and took it to the Sonoran Trail. The Sonoran Trail took us into the Fountain Hills preserve and we went off-trail up to Peak 3804. From the Sonoran Trail we followed a very good use trail up to the summit. We hung out there a bit and then descended down to a saddle below Peak 3702, aka Doubletop.

We made a fun scramble up to Peak 3702, which was the highlight of the day. We then continued on to the summit of the lower of the 2 "doubletops", and then made our way to Thompson Peak Road and up to Thompson Peak. We took the standard route back to the TH from Thompson Peak.

This was a fun day and the hike exceeded my expectations. Thanks to Amy for going on this one!
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sunrise
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
  1 archive
Jan 19 2025
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Thompson Peak from Adero Canyon THPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 19 2025
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking14.96 Miles 3,365 AEG
Hiking14.96 Miles   7 Hrs   4 Mns   2.37 mph
3,365 ft AEG      45 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I hiked up to Thompson Peak from Adero Canyon today.

It was a tad cold at the early morning start, but warmed up once the sun came up.

There weren't many people out at this part of the preserve, which was nice.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Nov 04 2024
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Golden Eagle Loop - Fountain HillsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 04 2024
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking11.48 Miles 1,627 AEG
Hiking11.48 Miles   5 Hrs   3 Mns   2.60 mph
1,627 ft AEG      38 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I decided to stay close to home and do this hike again today. I did the loop CW, and also took a side trip up to Bell Pass.

We had some rain yesterday afternoon and the trail was a tad soft early, but it was drying out pretty good on the way back.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Oct 22 2024
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 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Golden Eagle Loop - Fountain HillsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 22 2024
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking11.72 Miles 1,666 AEG
Hiking11.72 Miles   3 Hrs   58 Mns   3.14 mph
1,666 ft AEG      14 Mns Break
 
no photosets
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Slightly crispy desert near the trailhead.
  5 archives
Oct 20 2024
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ 
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 20 2024
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking9.35 Miles 1,418 AEG
Hiking9.35 Miles   4 Hrs   6 Mns   2.61 mph
1,418 ft AEG      31 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I had not done this hike in a while so I decided to take advantage of a nice morning and stay close to home by doing this hike.

There were a few people out but the trails certainly weren't crowded.

It looks like it will be warming up again soon, but it was nice to hike in some cooler weather.
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sunrise
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Sep 21 2024
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Thompson Peak from Dixie Mine THPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 21 2024
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking9.84 Miles 2,246 AEG
Hiking9.84 Miles   4 Hrs   39 Mns   2.35 mph
2,246 ft AEG      28 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I have not done this hike in a while, and with the temps being a bit cooler I decided to head up to Thompson's Peak.

It turned out to be a nice morning for the hike, and it was almost cool sitting up at the summit.

There were a few people heading up to the summit, but not as many as I expected for a Saturday.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
  2 archives
May 25 2024
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ 
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 25 2024
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking9.22 Miles 1,415 AEG
Hiking9.22 Miles   3 Hrs   36 Mns   2.70 mph
1,415 ft AEG      11 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I decided to stay close to home this morning. There was a nice breeze and it wasn't TOO hot, so it was a nice hike.

On the way back I channeled my inner @gummo and almost stepped on a d'back -- it was stretched out on the side of the trail and I did not see it until my left foot almost landed on it. I missed it by about one inch, which was too close to comfort. The snake never rattled and never moved until I got past it.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
There are not many flowers left: some buckwheat, catclaw, and saguaro flowers is about it.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
May 06 2024
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ 
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 06 2024
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking9.25 Miles 1,464 AEG
Hiking9.25 Miles   4 Hrs   5 Mns   2.50 mph
1,464 ft AEG      23 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Temperatures were pleasant for this hike today. I had the trails completely to myself.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  White Ratany
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
There are not many flowers left at this point -- some brittlebush, buckwheat, and staghorn cholla are around here and there.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Apr 27 2024
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 Guides 27
 Routes 669
 Photos 12,096
 Triplogs 856

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Thompson Peak from Dixie Mine THPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 27 2024
DarthStillerTriplogs 856
Hiking10.53 Miles 2,646 AEG
Hiking10.53 Miles   5 Hrs   17 Mns   2.03 mph
2,646 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
I did this last time almost 4 years ago, but it seems like less than that. After 5057, it seemed easier than last time, but not by much. The steepness is pretty intense, but the overall gain and length of the hike isn't that much.

Headed straight up to the peak at first. I kept a decent pace through the steep parts, only stopping once or twice for a pic to catch my breath. It didn't feel so much like a lung buster this time, but I did feel a fatigue creep in that told me to slow the pace a bit, which helped. At the top I noticed the radiation warning signs, which I don't remember from the last time I was there :o . I didn't linger long worrying that a wormhole to the future would open up.

On the way down I tried to get to 3702 but bailed as I was approaching the lower peak. At that point the faint trail had disappeared and going any higher involved getting more vertical and bouldering on loose rock. I wasn't comfortable trying that on my own. As I got back down and looked back, it seemed like if I had gone to the right there was a more accessible route, but it's hard to tell when you're right on top of it. When I got home and looked at the route and the topo, I realized I was trying to summit the wrong peak, which was the lower one to the NW. I was happy enough for this day to get as far as I did.

Saw a gila monster on the road on my way back, nothing else of note happened. Feeling not sore at all the next day, in great contrast to the 5057 death march the week earlier.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Gila Monster
_____________________
 
Apr 22 2024
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ 
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 22 2024
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking9.29 Miles 1,427 AEG
Hiking9.29 Miles   3 Hrs   40 Mns   2.72 mph
1,427 ft AEG      15 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I stayed close to home to do this one again.

The weather was pleasant, but other than brittlebush the wildflowers were few and far between; however, there was some decent fairydusters and buckwheat.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
There is a decent amount of brittlebush blooming, but other flowers are few and far between for the most part.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Apr 16 2024
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ 
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 16 2024
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking9.24 Miles 1,564 AEG
Hiking9.24 Miles   3 Hrs   42 Mns   2.69 mph
1,564 ft AEG      16 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I decided to stay close to home and do this hike again.

On the way back I met 3 hikers, and that was the only people that I saw this morning.

I saw a gopher snake stretched out on Thompson Peak road, apparently enjoying the sun.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Gopher Snake
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Brittlebush is starting to bloom finally, and I saw a good number of fairy dusters. Buckwheat is beginning to bloom. Wildflowers this year have been underwhelming, especially compared to the super bloom last year.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Apr 08 2024
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ 
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 08 2024
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking9.29 Miles 1,458 AEG
Hiking9.29 Miles   4 Hrs   9 Mns   2.69 mph
1,458 ft AEG      42 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I decided to stay close to home today to check out the wildflowers in this area. I would describe them as "moderate" right now, but perhaps they will pick up.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
There is a good bit of owl clover out owl, but still not much brittlebush. There was a bit of stinknet along the Prospector Trail.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Mar 23 2024
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ 
Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 23 2024
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking9.24 Miles 1,466 AEG
Hiking9.24 Miles   4 Hrs   3 Mns   2.67 mph
1,466 ft AEG      35 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I decided to stay close to home this morning and hike this one again.

There was lots of cloud cover which was nice. Actually it would have been a good day for a longer hike.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
This seems to be the Year of the Fiddleneck. Blue Richards looked pretty good this morning also. Owl Clover is awakening from their slumber, but brittlebush are still hibernating.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Mar 16 2024
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Dixie Mine - Windgate Lasso Loop, AZ 
Dixie Mine - Windgate Lasso Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 16 2024
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking16.18 Miles 3,176 AEG
Hiking16.18 Miles   7 Hrs   9 Mns   2.61 mph
3,176 ft AEG      57 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I decided to stay close to home today and take advantage of cool weather to do this longish hike.

I did a lasso loop starting on the Dixie Mine Trail, going over Bell Pass, and then looping back on the Gateway Loop Trail, and going past Inspiration Point on the way to Windgate Pass. In other words, the loop was clockwise.

There was a fair number of people on the trails that can be easily accessed from the Gateway TH, but hardly anyone otherwise.

I heard some coyotes yapping in the morning, and saw 3 deer at Windgate Pass.

The weather was very nice for mid-March.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Blue richards won the wildflower derby, with fiddlenecks the runnerup. Poppies had their moments along with some lupine. Brittlebush are not blooming yet.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
  3 archives
average hiking speed 2.55 mph
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 17  Next

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.

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