Overview "Pics coming soon"
Jim Thompson trail another old wagon road. It was built in the 1880's by Jim Thompson as a wagon road to travel through Oak Creek to his homestead in the Indian Gardens. As it is an old wagon road, the trail is a bit wider than most and very well-defined. My preference is to ride from Midgley Bridge usually in conjuntion with the Huckaby Trail or Damfino (you may have heard of this...Damfino?). The trail starts or ends from Midgley Bridge and then again starts or ends at the Brins Mesa Trail Head.
Trail Description
Starting from Midgley Bridge head up Wilson Canyon (The big canyon the bridge goes over) wave to the guy selling shirts. the trail splits after 1/8 of a mile go right. The trail begins a gradual climb on the side of Wilson Canyon. The trail then descends back down across the dry wash bed. The trail comes to a juntion where you will head left and prepare for 1\3 of a mile climb that gains 200ft (also a short but very sweet descent in reverse). After the climb tops out the trail goes right and traverses at the base of Steamboat Rock with fantastic views in every direction. The trail begins a gradual descent passing a stock tank on the right that always seems to have water...a little odd, worth a quick check out. Let it rip coming down is great. You will encounter two junctions continue straight through the first and the second junction stay slightly right. Look ahead and you should see the Morning Glory Spire (An awsome 4th class scramble...tiny summit). Soon you will pop out on a dirt road and your done with Jim Thompson. Find your car, ride down the road back into town or continue on the Jordan trail just down the road on the right for more adventure.Getting There
Starting at Midgley BridgeFrom the "Y" (Hwy 179 & 89a) head North on Hwy 89a for 2 miles to Midgley Bridge and park in the lot on the left side of the Hwy.
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Starting from the Brins Mesa Trail Head
Head North on Hwy 89a for 1\4 mile to Jordan Rd. turn left. Follow Jordan for 1 mile to Park Ridge Rd. make a left and follow this untill a Cul-de-sac from here a dirt road continues to the parking lot at the end. A couple hundred feet before the parking lot you will have passed the Jim Thompson Trail on the right side of the road.
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When to Bike
SpringSummer- early mornings and evenings
Fall
Winter- Mid day
Images
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