Old Thompson Peak Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Gateway Trail has bathrooms, cold water fountains, and ample free parking. However, coming from this side requires traversing Bell Pass. The alternative on the East side is $2.

Be prepared for extreme head and dry air in late spring, summer, and early fall. This is a strenuous hike, not to be taken lightly!

If your training requires a tough power hike, then you can't go wrong with either ascent of Thompson. Downhill will similarly be a matter of preference--the distance is only 0.5 miles different for either trail.

Thompson Peak is well known for its steep, semi-paved Jeep Road up to the top. However it would appear that in the past there was another "road" which has since fallen into disuse. Nowadays, the road bed mostly remains but is overgrown and washed out except for a singletrack path in the middle.

Begin this trail from the Prospector Trail, which itself can be reached from Bell Pass or the Thompson Pass Jeep Road. Beginning in a dry riverbed, the singletrack trail winds up the flat roadbed to the southeast, roughly paralleling the Jeep Road for some time. By the halfway point you'll have leaned North away, and climbed above with great views of Bell Pass, East End, and more. Closing in on the top, the trail cuts a roadbed switchback (the only time this happens) to gain the north/south ridge. From here, simply continue climbing south towards the radio towers. Circle around the helicopter pad and join the last few feet of the road and your journey is complete!

Descents can be made the way one came, or down the Jeep Road for a bit of variety. Be sure to take some time to appreciate the view and likely breeze up top!

Plenty of brush, some wildflowers, and buckthorn.