HikeArizona.COM

The peak of Thunder Mountain in Sedona, AZ looms high over the town, but is essentially inaccessible to all but the best and courageous. But . . . can one start/park at the Devil's Bridge Trailhead to the north and skirt through the back side of Thunder Mountain just over a relatively low and moderately sloped saddle then back down and emerge at the trail head of Coffee Pot trail or similar. No official trail exists, but the terrain appears open enough and contains enough washes to make this appear feasible. The saddle point is 34.888044, -111.801964, at about 5380 feet if you care to plot it. Let me know your thoughts, or if you have actually done this (unofficial) route. Thx.

Im listening

Thunder Mountain is the local name created by the housing developments to sell more houses. It's really Capitol Butte. I linked two descriptions above your post.

The route on this map is quite steep. It has one moment of truth spot that is rated class four. On the map I put a marker at your coordinates. The contour lines from there to the top look intense.

Thanks for the response.

Hmm. . . . You appear to have thought we want to go to the TOP of Capital Butte. You give us too much credit. Please see the route "Devils to Teacup" at http://hikearizona.com/map.php?MY=13641&M=3. This skirts the back of Capital Butte taking the saddle point I listed, as the highest point in the hike. So my question would be if this off-trail but moderately aggressive hike would be feasible, with GPS guidance. We have done Mund's Mountain and Bear Mountain in Sedona, and similar (Grand Canyon, Adirondacks in New York) in terms of skill level.

oh where you want to go, just like you asked

It appears to be a feasible scramble on satellite. There is always a chance you may come to a deal breaker. The juniper looks pretty thick north of that saddle.

Looks like quite the bushwhack, if you do it when it's cooler you can wear more armor. I struggle in the heat and would suggest waiting until at least October, but I'm also a wimp.

Edited to say: It looks like there's a lot of blackbrush mixed in, which is even worse than the juniper.