Thunder Mountain Eldorado NF

September 27, 2008

top.

Snow fence

Phil radio.

Red Lake Peak, 10063'

We'll call it an arch

ssss

The craggy approach to the summit

A horse-like mountain

summit view

Silver Lake

Martin Point, and distant Desolation Wilderness

start down

Round Top, 10381'

The downhill starts beyond the gap

ne.

Kirkwood Ski Resort

Thimble Mountain, ----'

route!

The closest thing to flowers on this trail today

Ali forges ahead

top.

Not really and arch

volcanic terrain.

Why in hell are we here?

figure.

Phil sets a mean downhill pace

Today there were no flowers, no lakes, and no running water.  On top of that, people were running around with guns on the trail.  Although I got some good exercise with some good company, it would be unfair to other hikes to give this one a good rating.

• Trailhead: 2 miles west of Kirkwood on SR-88
• Distance: 7+ miles
• Elevation: 7840' to 9410', plus about 400' additional en route.
• Hikers: 20; dogs: 5; deer hunters: several
• Rating: 3