Trailhead

From the parking area, Thompson Trail begins after a short walk down the forest road where an old two-track begins following alongside the West Fork of the Black River. You'll pass a historic Apache trout barrier early in the hike that makes for a pretty waterfall.

Use & Route Options

At the 0.39-mile mark the Thompson Trail departs from the two-track dipping down to follow alongside the water. At this point the trail becomes open to hikers and anglers only while the parallel two-track above the creek provides an alternate route for horses and mountain bikes.

The two routes reconnect near the junction with West Fork Trail #628, allowing visitors to create a loop or vary their return route. Conditions on the upper route may differ from those along the creekside trail.

Creekside

The trail quickly settles into its familiar rhythm, alternating between the creek's edge and short climbs onto the bank to bypass rocky outcrops and side drainages. Expect scattered rocks, exposed roots, and occasional stands of Apache willow. Rather than a groomed or manicured path, Thompson has the character of a classic mountain fishing trail - well worn, easy to follow, and shaped by decades of hikers and anglers.

Meadows

Several beautiful grassy meadows break up the forest, creating a welcome change of scenery and, during the growing season, colorful displays of wildflowers. Around the half-way point of the hike, the trail passes through a large sub-irrigated meadow that can become damp during the monsoon season. Expect to encounter a few wet or muddy spots after periods of rain.

Drainages

Throughout the hike, several small side drainages cross the trail. Most are easy to negotiate, though some may require stepping across rocks or navigating short muddy sections depending on recent weather. The trail remains clearly defined throughout, with a handful of exposed roots, rocky stretches, and approximately 4–6 downed trees that are easily crossed or walked around.

Terminus

As you near the junction with West Fork Trail #628, the trail becomes slightly more rustic, with a handful of wet areas and side drainages that may require careful footing.

Thompson officially ends at the junction, but it feels less like a finish line and more like an invitation to cross to the other side of the river and continue exploring the West Fork  Trail.