7/20/2021 Route: Southeast Ridge Posted On: 7/21/2021, By: supranihilest Info: This is probably the only non-technical route on Thunder. Starting from a set of campsites just down from where Grizzly Gulch drains, bushwhack directly up extremely steep, forested slopes until you're on the ridge crest. Follow the now slightly less steep ridge to treeline. There was maybe one move of Class 2+ all the way to treeline, so if you're doing serious scrambling or getting lost in cliffs find a better way up. Climber's left side of the ridge is generally a mess of cliffs; climber's right is just extremely steep forest. Middle ground is best. Once at treeline behold the sea of gravel you must climb, take a deep breath, and then begin your vertical swim. This stuff is steep, super loose, and about 3 inches deep, so it really sucks your energy. On top of the initial rocky bump hike and scramble along the ridge, most of the rock on the ridge can be avoided (highly exposed going around it) or scrambled over at Class 3. The final summit push is the only real scrambling on the route, mostly at the bottom, and is Class 2+. Gravely slabs lead to easier gravely terrain that you can scramble and weave through to the summit. Bask in the incredible views. Reverse your route, everything else is suicide. |
