June 7 - Thompson Trail #629

 Taking a hike this sunny morning. In my research, Thompson Trail #629 is one of the best trails in the White Mountains. It's 5.4 miles with a mere 299 ft in elevation on the way back (start: 8852 end: 8531). The trail follows the Black River's west branch.

It's about a 45 miles (24 mile) drive from Eagar up a very curvy and elevation gaining Hwy 261. Absolutely beautiful drive!

I stop at the Point of the Mountain viewpoint (8848 ft). What a gorgeous view! 

From there the road obviously levels off and the landscape changes to forest and wet meadows and then finally native grasslands at mile 18 and about 9000 ft. Can see forever in these grasslands. Keeping my eyes open for deer, elk, or pronghorn.

I finally reach Crescent Lake (must stop on the return) and turn onto Hwy 113 just for a short distance before turning left on a Forest road.

It's about 4 miles of traveling on gravel. I pass some cows, including one that is on the road.

In the final mile, I round a corner and there in a wet area is a lone Pronghorn!! Hot dog!

I pass him by and continue to the parking lot. Across from the parking lot in a very large meadow is a herd of wild horse. Hey, there's a colt with them!! Actually more than one colt!!

It's 68 degrees. I gear up and start off crossing a bridge over the Black River and head east. 

The landscape is a mix of burnt trees (from Wallow Fire), Pine tree, wet meadows, the river, every changing, pretty amazing. The trail is in-n-out of the woods with large clearings. The trek is within a valley of varying widths.

From the start, I see a Mourning Cloak (1st of many today) and a Dainty Sulphur.

I'm see Flickers 

and Robins for the most part.

Not a lot of flowers yet but the Iris seem to dominate.

I pass a fish barrier along the way

This dam prevents non-native fish below the dam from moving upstream into Apache trout habitat (a native trout that were almost driven into extinction.)

In some of the wetter areas, I find Shooting Star and Marigolds Marigolds.

I also find a couple of patches of Red Columbine.

As far as mammals, I see a Chipmunk.

And I scare 2 ducks that were in the River.


There's coyote scat on the trail in a couple spots but on my return, there was fresh scat.

In the entire trip, I only saw a single fisherman who was not having any luck.

As far as butterflies:

Dainty Sulphur

Western Swallowtail

Orange Sulphur

Silvery Checkerspot (first time I've seen one since my CO trip back 2010). Amazing bug, dark orange, large black borders.


Mexican Cloudywing

worn Dreamy Duskywing

Mourning Cloak

Northwestern Frit

Mylitta Crescent

Field Crescent

Unknown Duskywing

Arctic Blues - this one is laying eggs!!

Greenish Blue


and lots of Ringlets.

I finally reach the intersection of 3 trails. Hmmm, is this the stopping point. I started around 8:30; it's 9:45 so that seems right for 2.7 miles. Odd ending of the trail. Perhaps I should've looked at the trail map. I grab a rock in the shade for a snack and a break.

After a bit, it's time to start heading back. This time I stopping to look at the Blues!

I only pass one person on the way back. Oh, there was the group I passed on the way in (they were taking a break in a shady spot), I pass them again about 1/4 mile from the end. Not sure where all the folks that belong to the cars in the lot though.

When I reach my car, I ignore the group of guys who I assume locked themselves out of their car. They were desperately trying to get in.

I start the drive back out.

The Pronghorn is gone replaced by cows.

But the cow I passed on the road earlier is still there but off the road now.

I reach the Hwy and head to Crescent Lake - I'm hungry. I eat lunch and head down to the lake for a quick look.

Time to head out to look for Alberta Arctics!

On the drive, I see a lone Elk in a meadow

and then around the corner is a small herd with 2 babies!!!

Farther down the road, I see 3 Pronghorn heading south.

And still farther down the road, I find another small herd of Pronghorn. Wait! They have 2 babies as well! Way cool!!


Definitely worked out today for this hike!!!

Back down to Hwy 261, I head to FR 265 to look for Alberta Arctics. I stop where someone had reported one but find nothing.

I'm tired but continue to Greens Peak Road. Again I stop at Beehive Spring and walk around - nothing.

I continue to the base of Greens Peak. I make a 1/2 hearted effort and find nothing.

Time to head back to the hotel, I'm done.

Awesome day!

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