Thunder Mountain and Thimble Peak Hike
	Trip Date:  08/25/2013 Distance: 11.6 Miles Vertical Gain: 2700' Group Size: 3 Hike Rating:  Easy   Moderate    Hard    Strenuous	GPX for this trip
	Start Coordinates:   N 38 42.338, W 120 06.456     End Coordinates:   N 38 40.796, W 120 06.969 Car Shuttle Req'd:   Yes Parking Directions:   Take Highway 88 to the signed parking area for Thunder Mountain trailhead approximately 3 1/2 miles east of Silver Lake.  Park a second car at the Horse Canyon trailhead approximately 2 miles west of Thunder Mountain trailhead on the south side of Highway 88.  Hazards of Note:   Weather in this area can change quickly so be prepared for various temperatures and rain. Crowd Factor:   Moderate.  This is a well marked and maintained trail but not overly travelled. General Notes: From the parking area head up the first section of the trail through forest and wildflowers until you pass by some avalanche control structures on your left.  You will soon reach the ridge with great views to the north and east, and then will head almost due south along the ridge for the rest of the hike.  About halfway to the peak you can take a short side trip to the west to the top of Martin Peak, and then continue along the trail for another mile.  Here the trail will bend west, and then head up toward the top of Thunder Mountain peak and its spectacular view of Silver Lake far below. After coming back down from the peak, find the spur trail that heads along the ridgeline to the south, and follow it for another mile or so to "The Edge," a sheer wall of rock that provides great views down into Kirkwood ski resort.  The continue on to "The Thimble," the protruding rock further south with a distinctive look as if it is a thumb sticking up in the air.   From The Thimble, head back down the valley to the Northwest, following seasonal streams and staying on the north side of the water as you make your way all the way down to pick up Horse Canyon Trail.  This trail will lead you north along the base of Thunder Mountain, and will eventually take you to the Horse Canyon trailhead and the end of the hike.
	Looking back at the Sentinals from Martin Point on a smoky day from the Rim Fire (Yosemite.)
	Julia high up on Martin Point.
	Looking back along the trail from near Thunder Mountain.
	Phil and Julia at the top of Thunder Mountain.
	Phil and Julia headed toward The Wall above Kirkwood.
	Looking down at Kirkwood from a gap in The Wall.
	Snoopy lives above Kirkwood.
	Phil making his final ascent toward Thimble Peak.
	Donut rock visible from near the top of Thimble Peak.
	Julia at the top of Thimble Peak.
	Drainage we hiked down from the top of Thimble to meet up with Horse Canyon trail.
	Julia and Annie enjoying a natural springs on the way to Horse Canyon trail.
	Thunder Mountain as seen from far below on the Horse Canyon trail.
	GPS Track of the full hike.