Thunder Mountain

This was a hike that we took with our "Monday Hikers" group. It is actually one of the easier 'peaks' to hike in the area. It was Ann's first 'bagged' peak.

The trailhead begins at the 'Thunder Mountain Trailhead' on Highway 88 just west of Kirkwood.

Unlike most of the present Sierra Nevada, this area is volcanic in origin with old cores sticking out of the otherwise eroded terrain.

When we arrived in the area, there was the smell of smoke and everything was hazy. A quick visit to the Information Center at Carson Pass assured us that there was no fire within 100 miles and the smoke was being blown north from southern California. So it was 'no worries' and on we went.

All along the trail are scattered small and large pieces of volcanic agglomerate that have broken off the spires and rolled downhill.

The trail winds along the ridge behind the 'Two Sentinels', which are visible from Highway 88 near Kirkwood.

Continuing along the ridge above the ski resort, the trail is obvious as it works its way toward the summit.

After working around the back side of the summit ridge for a while, we arrived at the jumble of lava that is the peak.

After a bit of rock scrambling, Ann 'conquered' the peak, her first! There is a plastic tool box wedged in a crack that contains notes, poems, mementos, and thoughts from prior visitors.

We took some time at the top to enjoy both the 360 degree view and our lunch (which tasted immeasurably better than the same food consumed at the kitchen table).

Heading back down the switchbacks to the ridgetop trail, there are great views north. Luckily, most of the smoke had continued on its way out of the area.

On the way down, we couldn't help stopping to admire the structure of one of the Sentinels. It's amazing to try to comprehend the history these cores have watched over.