Base Camp
Campground
Campground · 1.2 mi from the trail
California · Hiking · Near Bear Valley
Thunder Mountain
Photo: schvin, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)- 1.2 mi
- round trip
- 170 ft
- climb
- 9,399 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
Is Thunder Mountain open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists 2 alerts for Eldorado National Forest.
Help Halt Golden Mussel Invasion
Agency alert covering Eldorado National Forest · USFS · Eldorado National Forest
Deer Valley Trail (19E01) & Meadow Lake Road (09N01)
Agency alert covering Eldorado National Forest · Order 03-24-05 · USFS · Eldorado National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Eldorado National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Thunder Mountain is an easy out-and-back hike in California's Eldorado National Forest, within the Amador Ranger District. The trail is about 1.2 miles long, with a low point of 9,204 feet and a high of 9,399 feet, so the one-way climb is about 170 feet. The Forest Service manages the land. The trail is on natural surface and allows both horses and bikes, which makes it a practical option for riders or pack animals. It is open year-round. The climb is gentle, and the route works well as a short outing. The trail's proximity to Caples Lake adds to the draw. Caples Lake Resort, Caples Creek and the climbing area at The Basement all lie within about 2.8 miles. Silver Lake Campground is about 1.9 miles away.
Around this trail
Add any of these when you start a tripSleep close Eat after Snowshoe Bar & Grill
Restaurant
On your way back · 1 miIf it rains Alpine County Museum
Museum
Museum · 16 mi from Bear Valley
Places © OpenStreetMap contributors
More in Bear ValleyLocal outfitters
- Alpenglow Expeditions37 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
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Route details
- Distance
- 1.2 mi round trip
- Climbing
- About 170 ft
- Summit
- 9,406 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
Season
Season: Year-round.
Questions about this route
How long is the Thunder Mountain on Thunder Mountain?
About 1.2 mi round trip.
How much elevation gain is on the Thunder Mountain?
About 170 ft of climbing round trip.
How hard is the Thunder Mountain?
It is rated easy.
When is the best time for the Thunder Mountain?
Year-round.
Conditions and forecast on Thunder Mountain
Caution todayAgency alerts are in effect for this areaUSFS · checked 34 min ago
Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.
