There is no constructed trail at any point, merely a route defined by rock cairns at intervals along the way. It is rugged, very steep, and rocky. Allow at least 2 hours to go down, 4 hours up. The distance from rim-to-river is about 2.4 km (1.5 mi).
The route leaves the west base of Vulcans Throne and winds down the lava flow to a point on the Colorado River above Lava Falls Rapid. The river is the only source of water.
THUNDER RIVER TRAIL
The trail is 12.9 km (10 ml) long and is in fair condition. Allow at least 5 hours to descend, 8 hours to ascend. this trail is not recommended for summer travel as there is no shade and no water until Thunder River is reached. There is no camping on Thunder River until you reach Tapeats Creek. Camp with care as this area is subject to flash floods.
Park your car at the end of Forest Service Road #292A and walk 0.8 km (0.5 ml) west to the trailhead at the eastern tip of Monument Point. The trail swings around the west side of the point and then descends rapidly through the limestone. The trail follows a drainage to the Esplanade (top layer of the Supai Formation). The trail heads southwest after leaving this drainage, and rounds several drainages until it descends through the Redwall. The rest of the way is easy! Thunder River is only 0.8 km (0.5 mi.) long and it empties into Tapeats Creek. From this junction down to the river is 4.0 km (2.5 mi). Cairns mark this rough trail. Cross to the east side of Tapeats Creek about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) below the junction. Continue on another 1.6 km (1 mi) then cross back to the west side. Crossing the creek during high water can be extremely dangerous. The trail remains on the west side and eventually switchbacks down to the river.
A side trail heads west for Deer Creek in Surprise Valley. Follow the drainage that heads due west into Deer Creek. It goes along the bed of Deer Creek on the west side for about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) to a point where one can see the river below. The trail goes to the west and soon drops down to the river and Deer Creek Falls.
DESERT PEAK SECTION MEETINGS
Meetings wi11 be held at the YOUTH SERVICES CENTER 3317 Bellevue Av., LA; exit Hollwood Fwy at Si1verlake Bl, N 2 blocks, L to center. The section meets on the first Wed. of the month Oct through Apr. at 7:30 PM.
“I like to hike.”
“Then why are you carrying all that stuff?”
“I take a drink of orange juice if I get thirsty,” explains the hiker, “and I eat some bread when I’m hungry.”
“But why are you carrying a car door?”
“Well,” answers the hiker, “when I feel hot I just roll down the window.”
-Dick Bothwell in St. Petersburg Times