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13,583 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Thunder Mountain

Thunder Mountain is a 13,583 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Side via the Middle Notch: 40 mi, 12,045 ft of gain, Class 4.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
Thunder Mountain in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: glenngould, CC BY 2.0

Thunder Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation13,583 ft4,140 m
  • RouteSouth Side via the Middle NotchClass 4
  • Distance40 mi12,045 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 daysExtreme effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the South Side via the Middle Notch

From Independence, drive Onion Valley Road and Foothill Road to the Symmes Creek trailhead, then hike the Shepherd Pass Trail over the pass and into the upper Kern basin. Follow the drainage between Table and Thunder up past its highest lake and climb loose southwest slopes to just below the south summit. Exposed Class 3 ledges and an airy step across a rock bridge lead north to the true summit, a short Class 4 block climbed by a crack; many parties bring a short rope. Watch for rockfall in the loose gullies. Plan four days. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (55–75 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Rope
  • Belay Device
  • Carabiners

What to watch for

  • Remote location
  • Steep exposure
  • Loose rock
  • Rockfall
  • High altitude

Quests with Thunder Mountain

Peaks near Thunder Mountain

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 7.8 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 9.2 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 11.6 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 12.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Thunder Mountain?

Thunder Mountain is 13,583 feet (4,140 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to climb Thunder Mountain?

The South Side via the Middle Notch is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 40 miles with 12,045 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Thunder Mountain?

Most climbers plan 3 – 5 days for the South Side via the Middle Notch, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Thunder Mountain dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a rope to climb Thunder Mountain?

Most parties bring one. The South Side via the Middle Notch is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Thunder Mountain?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Thunder Mountain reaches 13,583 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

When is the best time to climb Thunder Mountain?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Thunder Mountain with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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