Thompson Trail #629 - 9 Things to Know Before Visiting

With wildflowers & wildlife, Thompson Trail #629 is beautiful with a winding stream along the way. The trail is mostly flat and the hike is along a creek almost the whole way. In most hikes, one will encounter rivers occasionally, but for this, the river is always there. The trail is 8.7 kilometres in length (out and back). The trail offers a fun hike for families with kids and dogs due to its low intensity. On a hot summer day, it is an ideal place to hang around and play in the creek to cool down.

The route to get to the trail is about four miles of primitive gravel road which can get exceptionally muddy after storms. Drive with caution as there will be many potholes. Driving on a 4 x 4 is highly recommended.

From the signed trailhead, walk along the West Fork of the Black River. There are two trails - the hiking trail that stays close to the river and sometimes can be tricky to find. When you lose it, search for it near the river and pick it up again. Depending on the timing of the rains, the trail can get marshy in spots.

The second trail is for mountain bikes and horses and it follows an old dirt road which offers some unique views.

The river flows year-round and the walk along it is very enjoyable. There will be some manmade waterfalls along the river that are constructed to protect the native Apache Trout. Fishing is prohibited but you will see some fishermen along other parts of the creek.

The best times to visit Thompson Trail #629 are April through September. The trail might be closed in other months.

1. Get to the trailhead early to avoid crowds & a place to park. The parking space is only enough for 4-6 vehicles.
2. The trail is not thickly wooded. There are a lot of open areas so bring sunscreens.
3. Bring drinking water or a purification system. The stream water is not treated.
4. There are no restrooms available on the trail.
5. Thompson Trail #629 connects West Fork Trail #628 and loop trail #628A.
6. No cell service in the trail and the areas around.

1. The trail was constructed with the help of many volunteering organisations.
2. To build the trail, grants were given by the Heritage Fund in cooperation with the US Forest Service and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

It will take about 3 hours to complete hiking at Thompson Trail #629.

From the town of Eagar, travel west on AZ Highway 260 for 2.8 miles to AZ Highway 261. Turn left (south) on AZ Highway 261 for 16.3 miles to AZ Highway 273. Turn right (north) for 2.1 miles to FR 116. Turn left (south) on FR 116 for 3.5 miles. The trailhead is on the right.

There are no fees to enter Thompson Trail #629.

The trail is open throughout the day from April to September. From October to March, the trails and most of the roads in the area will be closed due to heavy winter.