Douglas County High Point Trip Report

Thunder Butte (9,836 ft)

Date: September 11, 2003
Authors: Trapper Robbins and Roxanne Everett

We used the Covill/Mitchler guidebook route. Road CR 9-J has a new gate and new trailhead down near the turnoff from road CR 360 / FS 68. If you have to park down here and walk up this road, the round trip hike statistics are 7.4 miles and 2,000 feet of gain.

The gate was open when we were there but it was signed as being illegal for motor use and we didn't trust that it would be open when we returned. (We were told later that there are some private in-holdings and those owners have permission to use the road.) The road is in good shape and there has been grading and reconstruction work since the fire.

The burn area extends all the way to the top of the peak. It is quite interesting and did not add any difficulties or problems (except for getting a bit dirty from the charcoal). It could be pretty messy in wet weather.