Thunder Mountain - The Summit Route

 
WARNING: THIS ROUTE IS RATED AS EXTREME. IT SHOULD ONLY BE ATTEMPTED BY HIKERS WITH EXTENSIVE BACKCOUNTRY EXPERIENCE.

If you're the hardcore type who enjoys a 5-8 hour scramble that most people will not even attempt, there are social routes to three extreme summits in the Dry Creek Basin you will probably love:  Thunder Mountain, Maroon Mountain and Lost Wilson Mountain. All of these can be reached without any climbing gear. 

Thunder Mountain is the easiest of the three. There are multiple routes to the top and many locals consider reaching the summit to be a signature achievement. It is also one of the most dangerous rock formations in town. For this reason only the two easiest routes, on the west side of the mountain, are shown on our map.
 
The route up the south face is too difficult to describe and should not be attempted without someone who knows the way to lead. Access to both social routes shown on our map is directly across the road from the Dry Creek Vista Parking Area. 

Most people who get into trouble on Thunder Mountain do it on the way back down -- after they have wandered around on the summit for an hour and they are already tired from the ascent. Be sure to carefully note the exact location of the trail when you first reach the top because you will need to find it again. One of the things that makes Thunder Mountain so dangerous are all the dead end trails people have created trying to find their way back down.

FINDING THE SOCIAL TRAIL

There are two routes on this side of Thunder Mountain. The Lizard Head route to the top of Thunder Mountain is an established social trail that is relatively easy to follow most of the way, at least when you are going uphill, but be sure to pay attention to the specifics as you go.
 
GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER"S GUIDE! 
 
There is not a lot of brush to contend with on the Lizard Head social route (shown in blue on the map below), so it can be attempted at any time of year. This route climbs from the parking area onto the Lizard Head Ridge that juts out from the flank of Thunder Mountain. The second social route goes directly up the wash, which is shorter but extremely steep.

You'll have to start at sunrise during the summer months in order to avoid the heat.
TOTAL DISTANCE
2.6 miles out and back

ELEVATION GAIN
1600 ft

EST HIKING TIME
3-4 hours round trip

BEST TIME TO GO
Sept - May

PET FRIENDLY
No