JIM THOMPSON TRAIL

Built by Jim Thompson in 1887. This trail can be hiked from either the Wilson Canyon Trailhead (as described here) or the Jordan Road Trailhead . From Midgely Bridge parking area, start along the road past the picnic ramada. At .1 miles, bear right onto the trail marked by large rock cairns. It gradually climbs, then descends to the canyon drainage. At .6 miles, pass the fork signed for Wilson Mountain Trail and 100 yards further, take the left fork signed for Jim Thompson Trail. It immediately begins a .2 mile moderate climb. Bear right as you top out and after 100 yards, take the left fork (to the right is a path onto Steamboat Rock). The trail is wide and nearly flat with sparse shade as it follows an old road along the base of Steamboat Rock and past Steamboat Tank on the right at 1.5 miles. Nice views. 

At 2.25 miles, the trail passes through a cattle gate, becoming narrower and more shaded as it gently descends into Mormon Canyon. At the bottom, the trail bends right into the canyon a short way before joining the start of Brins Mesa Trail on a closed road at 3 miles. The Jordan Road Trailhead parking area is 150 yards south (left) down the road just past the gate. Return by the same route for a 6 mile roundtrip hike or hike one way in either direction with arranged transportation.