Summary 
| Difficulty | 4 Intermediate-advanced |
| Length | 7.6 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
7700 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+1950, -1950 feet |
| Navigation | Map and compass |
| Time | Full day |
| Season | Late December through mid-April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Low |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Freel Peak |
| Start | Highway 89, 6.8 miles south of Meyers at the turnout at the west end of Grass Lake. The tour begins on the north side of the road across from the turnout. |
Description
Like the prow of a ship, Thompson Peak stands with an unobstructed view of more than you can imagine. Near, of course, is Hope Valley, but peak after peak to the south are in plain sight. Most obvious are Pickett Peak and Hawkins Peak along with those of the Carson Pass area.
The first part of the tour is very steep and confined, and you should pick a time for this tour when you know the snow will be good on the return descent. The Grass Lake to Hope Valley Via Thompson Peak tour describes an alternative end.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.4
Elevation change: +300 feet
From the trailhead (1) ski west and then north for a total of 0.4 mile until you reach a creek (2).
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.4 - 1.7
Elevation change: +800 feet
Climb northeast and parallel to the creek at a steep angle for 1.3 miles until you reach the saddle (3) to the east of Peak 9078. Only attempt this ascent when there is absolutely no avalanche danger. Tucker Flat is just to the northeast of the saddle.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 1.7 - 2.3
Elevation change: +350 feet
Ski east on a broad ridge and as you approach the head of the creek that lies to the north leave the ridge and continue east for a total of 0.6 mile until you reach the west end of Freel Meadows (4).
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 2.3 - 2.8
Elevation change: +100, -50 feet
Ski southeast for 0.5 mile until you reach the southeast end of Freel Meadows (5). There is a small section of trees that divide the meadow into two.
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 2.8 - 3.1
Elevation change: -100 feet
Descend to the southeast for 0.3 mile until you reach a small drainage (6).
Waypoint 6 to 7
Miles: 3.1 - 3.8
Elevation change: +200, -50 feet
Ski south and away from the drainage for 0.7 mile until you reach the summit of Thompson Peak (7).
Return to trailhead
Miles: 3.8 - 7.6
Elevation change: +200, -1750 feet
Retrace the route for 3.8 miles back to the trailhead (1).
