Thompson Peak, Mountain summit in McDowell Mountains, Maricopa County, Arizona
Thompson Peak rises to 3,984 feet within the McDowell Mountains, featuring communication towers at its summit and offering panoramic views across the Valley of the Sun through challenging terrain that climbs nearly 2,000 feet from base to peak.
The summit has served as a significant landmark for generations, with its strategic position in the McDowell Mountains making it a natural reference point for early settlers and indigenous peoples navigating the desert landscape of central Arizona.
Thompson Peak attracts outdoor enthusiasts from Phoenix and Scottsdale who seek challenging hikes through Sonoran Desert terrain populated with towering saguaro cacti, creating a popular destination for the regional hiking and trail running community.
The main hiking route spans approximately 9.5 miles roundtrip with 2,572 feet of elevation gain, requiring 4-5 hours to complete and accessed via the Golden Eagle Trailhead near Fountain Hills with parking and restroom facilities available.
Thompson Peak ranks as the third highest summit among fifteen peaks within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, with a prominence of 787 feet that makes it distinctly visible from surrounding desert plains and urban areas.
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