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Hiking – Thompson Mountain Trail System, South Trailhead - Wilson Creek Trail

Lollipop hike around Thompson Mountain from the Wilson Creek Trail trailhead in the Deer Haven area outside of Canon City, remote location with beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Pikes Peak, 7.5 miles, 1500', 2.0 mph, moderate hike.

Contacts

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Jacqueline Hooper
Primary Leader
  • Sat, May 3, 2025
  • El Pueblo
  • Hiking
  • Adults
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 7.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 8,607 ft
  • Pace: 2.0 mph

From the Wilson Creek Trailhead, the lollipop hike around Thompson Mountain follows rolling terrain with some areas of moderate gain passing through meadows with water tanks for cattle, scrub oak and cacti, rock outcroppings, and Ponderosa & Douglas Fir forests at higher elevations. The trails can vary from being well marked with BLM signs, to a faint social or game trail, and no definite trail with following a downloaded gps map. Ranchers run cattle on the land through leases and the trail system is popular with equestrians so hikers may encounter cows and people on horseback.  Snakes including rattle snakes are found in the area with reports of recent sightings in the distance of large bull snakes that are menacing looking but harmless to humans.  

The Thompson Mountain Trail System is in the Deer Haven BLM area. Accessing State Land requires persons 18 and older to possess a valid Colorado State Wildlife Pass or a 2025 hunting or fishing license.

Access to the Wilson Creek Trailhead is from Fremont CR 69 is a well maintained dirt road that 2WD cars can easily maneuver but BLM road #5827 off of CR 69 that is a short rutted dirt road that requires precision driving on dry roads with at least AWD or 4WD vehicle. If deemed safe, only skilled 4WD drivers should attempt BLM road #5827 when mud or snow covered. We will initially meet at the dirt parking lot near the junction of CR 11 (High Park Road) and CR 69. Once all hiking participants have arrived, we will discuss driving arrangements to BLM road #5827 including carpooling if needed. 

If I have not had the pleasure of hiking with you before, please email me at hooperjacqueline@yahoo.com before 6 pm on Thursday, May 1st as I will want to connect with you to determine if there are any medical conditions you have that I should be aware of and get a feel for your level of fitness by learning about the mileage and gain of hikes you have completed in the last two months.

An email will be sent to all hike participants on Friday, May 2nd with details of the hike including a weather forecast.

Pueblo participants will meet at the Southeast corner of Albertson's Parking lot at 1601 Hwy 50, Pueblo, 81008 for a 7:30 am departure; Pueblo West participants will meet at the dirt lot at the corner of Highway 50 and S McCulloch Blvd West for a 7:45 am departure; and Colorado Springs hikers will meet for an 8:15 am departure at the Love's Travel Stop at 690 Doc Holiday Drive, Canon City, 81212. The hike starts at the trailhead.

Route/Place

Thompson Mountain Trail System, South Trailhead - Wilson Creek Trail

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Wear layers to adjust to cooler temperatures in the morning and warmer temps in the afternoon and hiking boots with good ankle support and traction. Bring a jacket to protect from wind and morning cool temps, a hat & other sun protection, 2+ liters of water or what you need to stay hydrated in warmer afternoon temperatures, snacks for the trail, and the other 10 essentials. If desired, bring trekking poles for the areas of gain and knee high gaiters as a precaution for snakes. We will plan to eat lunch at a midway point of the hike. For those who are interested, plans for an after hike celebratory gathering at a restaurant in the Royal Gorge or Canon City area can be made.

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