Thompson Canyon Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Sections of this trail are very steep.

Thompson Canyon Trail is one of two trails that connect the many trails in Cache Creek Wildlife Area to Cowboy Camp. When running west to east, Thompson Canyon starts from the Lynch Canyon Trail and Brophy Canyon Trail about 0.3 miles south of "Roadkill Cafe".

The trail climbs through an area burned in the Rocky Fire of 2015 (please be respectful of regrowth—stay on trail). The trail tops out near 1,700 feet. At this point, continue along the trail to the east (left) as it leads downhill to a stream crossing. This part of the trail is steep and can be very slippery after rain.

After crossing the stream (which is dry most of the year), you'll climb a saddle between two ridges and follow a stream through Thompson Canyon. The trail will meet up with a few trails in a large meadow, which lead to Cowboy Camp.

Chaparral, oak grasslands, and open meadows are found here, with eagles, hawks, elk, deer, and mountain lions roaming throughout.