Thompson

From State Highway #188, the trail quickly climbs along an arroyo and then follows the contour of the ridges above the highway and Roosevelt Lake. After 1.5 mile, at the junction with the Cemetery Trail #255, the trail turns south and gradually ascends a broad ridge to the junction with FR #341. This trail is named after Jerome Thompson who served as the district ranger, 1956-1965, for the then-named Roosevelt Ranger District.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

121

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

The Thompson Trail is part of the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

January

Closed to all motor vehicles. Carry an adequate supply of drinking water. One gallon per person per day is recommended during hot periods.

Getting There

Trailhead/Starting Points

There are no official trailheads on either end of the Thompson Trail. It is best for users to park in the small pull out along State Route #188 to the West just over Roosevelt Bridge then walk the 2/3 of a mile to the trail start on the East side of the bridge.

Directions

West End: (State Highway 188): From Roosevelt Dam, take State Highway 188 for ½ mile east to the trail connection. There is no parking here. Midway: (Cemetery): From Roosevelt Dam, take State Highway 188 for 1½ miles east to the Lakeview Park. Turn into the park entrance road for about 75 feet; the trailhead is just off to the right. Take Cemetery Trail 255 up the hill and then continue beyond the cemetery on a short spur trail to the connection with Thompson Trail.

East End: Forest Road #341: Drive through Lakeview Park until you reach a gate at the south end of the park. Forest Road (FR) 341 begins at this point. After closing the gate, proceed uphill for approximately ¾ mile. There is no parking and the road is not paved.