Thunder Mountain (Trail)
Thunder Mountain is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest. Running right along the southern base of Capitol Butte (aka Thunder Mountain), it is well marked with signs and easy to follow. This point-to-point trail goes from the Thunder Mountain parking area at the west end, to the Tea Cup Trail at the east end, connecting approximately .1 mile from the parking area at Buena Vista Dr.
Thunder Mountain can also be accessed from the parking area at the end of Andante Drive, and it is often combined with the Andante Trail to form an easy loop. Both trails are heavily used by both hikers and mountain bikes, with lots of locals accessing the area directly from the adjoining neighborhoods.
The Thunder Mountain Trail passes two special photo opportunities along the way. Starting at the west end and heading east, the first one hikers come to is the Amitabha Stupa, a Buddhist shrine (shown below) just east of the trail. Visiting the stupa is quick and easy, since it very close and requires no elevation gain or loss. The second is location is more difficult, as it requires a steep climb of approximately 300 ft to a high point on the side of Thunder Mountain.
PRECISE DIRECTIONS, MAPS, VIDEO AND A MORE EXTENSIVE PHOTO GALLERY FOR ALL OUR HIKES (BUT NO GPS TRACKS) ARE ALSO PROVIDED TO SUBSCRIBERS ON LOCALS.COM FOR $5 PER MONTH
HIKE DETAILS
RATED: Moderate due to hilly, rocky terrain
TOTAL DISTANCE
2.28 miles one way
2.28 miles one way
ELEVATION GAIN
389 ft
389 ft
EST. HIKING TIME
1 hr (one way)
1 hr (one way)
BEST TIME TO GO
Sep - May.
Hike early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid summer heat.
There is little shade on this trail.
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times.
Please pick up after your pet and pack it out.
Sep - May.
Hike early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid summer heat.
There is little shade on this trail.
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times.
Please pick up after your pet and pack it out.