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Thunderbolt Peak
- is considered by some
to be the most difficult of
the Fourteeners as it
requires 5.8 climbing on
the summit block.
However, after climbing
both Thunderbolt Peak,
and Starlight Peak, I
would consider Starlight
the most difficult of the
two, when all things are
considered.
At 14,003 feet, it is the
lowest of all the 14er's in
California. However, it
does hold the distinction
of being the last of the
California 14er's to be
climbed.
The first summit is
credited to Norman
Clyde, Underhill, Eichorn,
and Dawson, on August
11, 1931.
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Thunderbolt Peak
- is considered by some
to be the most difficult of
the Fourteeners as it
requires 5.8 climbing on
the summit block.
However, after climbing
both Thunderbolt Peak,
and Starlight Peak, I
would consider Starlight
the most difficult of the
two, when all things are
considered.
At 14,003 feet, it is the
lowest of all the 14er's in
California. However, it
does hold the distinction
of being the last of the
California 14er's to be
climbed.
The first summit is
credited to Norman
Clyde, Underhill, Eichorn,
and Dawson, on August
11, 1931.
Mike pointing the way to the higher south summit of
Thunderbolt Peak. Here you see the lower north
summit which is known as the "Lightening Rod"
Thunderbolt Peak. Here you see the lower north
summit which is known as the "Lightening Rod"
Sean atop 14,003 ft Thunderbolt Peak. The summit
block that makes up approximately the last 16 feet of
the climb is rated at 5.8 giving it the highest rating of all
the California fourteeners.
block that makes up approximately the last 16 feet of
the climb is rated at 5.8 giving it the highest rating of all
the California fourteeners.
The peak gets it name by an event that took place on the first ascent. A portion of the story goes like this: "The storm was now upon them. The air
began to hum from static electricity. Thunder boomed in the clouds above and beyond the ridge. Glen Dawson hastened off of the
monolith, allowing Jules Eichorn to make his way to the top. Small blue sparks danced and flickered upon the rock. Eichorn, having gained
the top of the monolith, quickly clambered off as the wind increased in intensity. Meanwhile, the party had already begun a hasty retreat
easward along the ridge. safely off of the monolith, Eichorn moved quickly to escape the proximity of the high point and catch up with his
companions. Suddenly there was a flash of light, followed by a concussive clap of thunder, as a bolt of lightning struck the summit
monolith. The size and suddenness of this burst of energy was startling if not completely nerve-wracking." ........... Thus the name
"Thunderbolt Peak" Many years latter, Norman Clyde's climbing companions stated that if it had not been for Norman Clyde's mastery of and
expertise in the mountains, they would not have made it back safely from this climb. To him, they owed their safe return to the glacier before nightfall.
Reference: "Climbing California's FOURTEENERS" by Stephen F. Porcella and Cameron M. Burns
began to hum from static electricity. Thunder boomed in the clouds above and beyond the ridge. Glen Dawson hastened off of the
monolith, allowing Jules Eichorn to make his way to the top. Small blue sparks danced and flickered upon the rock. Eichorn, having gained
the top of the monolith, quickly clambered off as the wind increased in intensity. Meanwhile, the party had already begun a hasty retreat
easward along the ridge. safely off of the monolith, Eichorn moved quickly to escape the proximity of the high point and catch up with his
companions. Suddenly there was a flash of light, followed by a concussive clap of thunder, as a bolt of lightning struck the summit
monolith. The size and suddenness of this burst of energy was startling if not completely nerve-wracking." ........... Thus the name
"Thunderbolt Peak" Many years latter, Norman Clyde's climbing companions stated that if it had not been for Norman Clyde's mastery of and
expertise in the mountains, they would not have made it back safely from this climb. To him, they owed their safe return to the glacier before nightfall.
Reference: "Climbing California's FOURTEENERS" by Stephen F. Porcella and Cameron M. Burns
Climbers make their way to the base of the
Palisade Glacier beneath the massive
northwest face of Thunderbolt Peak.
Palisade Glacier beneath the massive
northwest face of Thunderbolt Peak.
Earlier season is best when traveling across the Palisade glacier
moraine. Without the snow cover, travel would slow considerably
due to all the rubble at the base of the glacier.
moraine. Without the snow cover, travel would slow considerably
due to all the rubble at the base of the glacier.