Tompkins Bend

Description:

This leg of the Vista Trail is approximately four miles of winding trail from the Tompkins Bend Trailhead parking area to the Joplin Trailhead parking area off Mountain Harbor Rd. While designed for all age groups, expect more elevation and hills than Leg 2. The trail crosses many spring fed streams, winding past a number of old quartz crystal mines and many unusual rock formations. An amazing feature is a stand of very large (estimated 300-400 years old) short-leaf pine trees towering over 125 feet above the trail.

A 1.5 mile loop out to Eagle Vista provides a spectacular view of the lake that, during the winter months, is home to several bald eagles. Look for the old natural cattle dip on Spring Creek and note the spring that feeds the creek at Spring Creek Bridge crossing. Here the trail wanders alongside the cool creek flowing over moss-covered stones through a narrow valley lined with hundreds of wood ferns.

Surrounding Area:

The trailhead is near entrance to the Tompkins Bend Campground. Fishing, boating, etc at Shangri-La Resort.

Length:

5 miles to the Joplin trailhead. Go east across Shangri La Rd. from the trailhead. You may also go south about 1.75 miles to the P2 Homestead trailhead or bypass this trailhead and travel 3 more miles to the P1b Denby Bay Trailhead.

Note on the map that there is a loop possible between the P2 Homestead and P3 Tompkins Bend trailheads by following the Tompkins Bend trail for about .75 miles to a junction. From the junction you may bear right (west) and follow a .25 miles loop back across Shangri La Rd. to the P2 Homestead trailhead.

Difficulty:

Moderate with bridged creek crossings.

Amenities:

Water and bathrooms available in the Tompkins Bend campground, about one block from the trailhead; Shangri-La Resort and restaurant is just a bit further down Shangri-La road.

Directions to Trailhead:

Go east from Mount Ida about 9 miles or west from Hot Springs about 25 miles on U.S. Highway 270 to Shangri La Rd. You can’t miss the Shangri La Resort sign on 270. Turn north off Highway 270 onto Shangri La Road and continue to the Tompkins Bend campground entrance. Trailhead parking is on the left.

Accommodations:

Tompkins Bend Campground near the trailhead and Shangri-La Resort a bit further down Shangri-La Rd.