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Thunderbolt Peak - Aug '06

Attempt of solo traverse of Palisade Range.
After summiting Thunderbolt Peak (14,003 ft = 4.268 m) I hurt my leg and ceased hiking.
Take a look at this report in bosnian language:
http://www.zone-2000.net/arhiv/06/048teton/doc01.htm
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  • I used approach by South Lake

    I used approach by South Lake

  • This approach is shorter and involves less elevation gain, as you start from about 10,000ft = 3,048m

    This approach is shorter and involves less elevation gain, as you start from about 10,000ft = 3,048m

  • Along Long Lake

    Along Long Lake

  • Nice weather ...

    Nice weather ...

  • ... and beautiful sceneries

    ... and beautiful sceneries

  • Hike towards Bishop Pass about 12,000ft = 3,658m

    Hike towards Bishop Pass about 12,000ft = 3,658m

  • This approach contains a longer cross country portion skirting Mount Agassiz and Mount Winchell towards Thunderbolt Pass (on horizon)

    This approach contains a longer cross country portion skirting Mount Agassiz and Mount Winchell towards Thunderbolt Pass (on horizon)

  • From Bishop Pass - the cross-country portion of this approach can be pretty tricky - if one falls too low or stays too high, much tedious talus is encountered

    From Bishop Pass - the cross-country portion of this approach can be pretty tricky - if one falls too low or stays too high, much tedious talus is encountered

  • Sunset above Dusy Basin

    Sunset above Dusy Basin

  • SW Chute #1 starts just after Thunderbolt Pass

    SW Chute #1 starts just after Thunderbolt Pass

  • Take a Class 3 ledge on the right that bypasses the obstacle

    Take a Class 3 ledge on the right that bypasses the obstacle

  • At the top of the Southwest Chute, Thunderbolt Peak is directly to your right

    At the top of the Southwest Chute, Thunderbolt Peak is directly to your right

  • There is an outstanding view of the Palisade Glacier and surrounding peaks from the notch separating the North and South summits of Thunderbolt.

    There is an outstanding view of the Palisade Glacier and surrounding peaks from the notch separating the North and South summits of Thunderbolt.

  • North summit of Thunderbolt

    North summit of Thunderbolt

  • The first ascent party on August 13, 1933, included Bestor Robinson, Lewis F. Clark, Glen Dawson, Jules Eichorn, Francis Farquhar, Robert L. M. Underhill, and Norman Clyde. However, not all of them made it to the top of the summit monolith, due to an approaching storm. Dawson and Eichorn made it

    The first ascent party on August 13, 1933, included Bestor Robinson, Lewis F. Clark, Glen Dawson, Jules Eichorn, Francis Farquhar, Robert L. M. Underhill, and Norman Clyde. However, not all of them made it to the top of the summit monolith, due to an approaching storm. Dawson and Eichorn made it

  • Thunderbolt Peak is located on the main Palisade Crest. It is the northernmost fourteen thousander in the Sierra Nevada.

    Thunderbolt Peak is located on the main Palisade Crest. It is the northernmost fourteen thousander in the Sierra Nevada.

  • Thunderbolt Peak is one of the hardest of the California fourteeners to climb. It was the last one to be climbed (August 1931). None of the routes are easy and the summit block - where the register is placed is rated - 5.8-5.9. It has beautiful and difficult summit monolith

    Thunderbolt Peak is one of the hardest of the California fourteeners to climb. It was the last one to be climbed (August 1931). None of the routes are easy and the summit block - where the register is placed is rated - 5.8-5.9. It has beautiful and difficult summit monolith

  • The views from the summit are incredible - toward Kings Canyon to the West and Palisades Basin

    The views from the summit are incredible - toward Kings Canyon to the West and Palisades Basin

  • The mountain got its name from the circumstances of the first ascent. A bolt of lightning hit the summit monolith just as Jules Eichorn was coming down from it

    The mountain got its name from the circumstances of the first ascent. A bolt of lightning hit the summit monolith just as Jules Eichorn was coming down from it

  • The views from the summit are incredible - towards North Palisade and Mount Sill on south side.

    The views from the summit are incredible - towards North Palisade and Mount Sill on south side.

  • The views from the summit are incredible - towards Palisade Glacier to the East.

    The views from the summit are incredible - towards Palisade Glacier to the East.

  • On my way back at Thunderbolt Pass all my food disappeared - marmots

    On my way back at Thunderbolt Pass all my food disappeared - marmots

  • Way back over many lakes ...

    Way back over many lakes ...

  • ... towards South Lake.

    ... towards South Lake.

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    From Bishop Pass - the cross-country portion of this approach can be pretty tricky - if one falls too low or stays too high, much tedious talus is encountered
    Sunset above Dusy Basin
    SW Chute #1 starts just after Thunderbolt Pass