Thunder River Loop
28 mi6,943 ft
7,201 ft
1,939 ft
Classic loop that includes Thunder River and Deer Creek, with a minor twist. Starts from Indian Hollow, takes Thunder River Trail all the way down along Tapeats River, uses a connector along the Colorado River to reach Deer Creek, then follows that trail up to Surprise Valley and climbs out via Bill Hall Trail. Done as a day hike.
Photos
Early light on Monument Point
Wondering how exactly I got down here
Trying to pick out the trail across the Esplanade
Out on the Esplanade, gazing west along the rim
Morning at a juniper copse
The weird cryptobiotic soil on the Esplanade
Juniper for company out on the Esplanade
Surprise Valley opening up below
Along the red ledges that drop down towards Surprise Valley
Entering Suprise Valley and the rolling hills
First look down at Thunder River's cottonwoods
Thunder River bursting straight out of the cliff
Thunder River falling the whole way down to Tapeats Creek
First crossing spot on Tapeats Creek
The creek squeezes through the red rock for a small drop
Cottonwoods and brush fill the floor of Tapeats Canyon
The trail runs the ledge
The marked falls spot, tempting to hop
Second crossing spot
A very narrow trail high above Tapeats Creek
Yet another drop down
Watching the clear Tapeats water flow into the muddy Colorado
Following the muddy Colorado, on a climb near Bonita
One of the few rapids between Tapeats and Deer Creek
The river squeezes into dark rocks of Granite Narrows below
Along the bendy connector
Finally dropping down into Deer Creek's drainage
The patio at Deer Creek
Deer Creek Falls, and the rafters that stop to see it
Many rafts tied up at Deer Creek
Deer Creek pinches into its slot below the cottonwood patio
Last water refill on Deer Creek
A dry spring at the throne room
Rugged ridge above the steep trail
Last light over Deer Creek
Darkness falling over Surprise Valley and the next climb
Along the way
Waterfall 1
- Deer Creek Falls
Spring 2
- Thunder Spring
- Deer Spring
Creek 2
- Deer Creek Narrows
- The Patio (Deer Creek crossing)
Shoreline 1
- Tapeats Creek Mouth
Overlook 1
- Monument Point
Camping 1
- Indian Hollow Campground
Trailhead 2
- Indian Hollow Trailhead
- Bill Hall Trailhead
Junction 2
- Thunder River Trail / Bill Hall Trail junction
- Surprise Valley junction (Thunder River / Deer Creek trails)