|
| | | |
| |
|
| Backpack | 13.00 Miles |
4,260 AEG |
| | Backpack | 13.00 Miles | | | |
| 4,260 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | We hiked Thunder River-Deer Creek loop in mid-October, starting from the Bill Hall Trailhead. We stayed at Jacob Lake Inn the night before our hike, and loved the fall colors on our drive to the trailhead.
Day 1: Bill Hall TH to Deer Creek
The forecast called for rain on 4 out of the 5 days on our trip. We weren't sure how it was going to go but figured we'd at least get a rainy day hike out of our permits. Luckily, it barely drizzled the first day and we made it down to Deer Creek by lunch time. After setting up camp at the rather-exposed Deer Creek camp, we made our way down to the falls for a short side-adventure.
Day 2: Deer Creek to Lower Tapeats
We had a relaxed morning at the Deer Creek Patio, knowing that we didn't have far to go since we took the river trail to Lower Tapeats. We chose the lower river route, finding it not too exposed compared to other GC trails. But it was a little creepy having Owl Eyes watch our every move.
We made it to Lower Tapeats camp by early afternoon, right before a strong blast of rain. Not less than a half hour after the storm, Tapeats Creek flashed, turning our water source into chocolate milk. Yikes. We spent a while siphoning rainwater from the surrounding rocks and praying that the chocolate milk would settle. It didn't, but we made do with water we already had.
Day 3: Lower Tapeats rest day
Things were looking better with Tapeats creek today. The water cleared up a bit but was still muddy. We used a bucket to let the silt settle so we could filter. Lower Tapeats camp was bathed in sun from 10am-4pm, making it not ideal for a rest day. Would not do this again. We found some tamarisk on the other side of the creek that provided some shade.
Day 4: Lower Tapeats to the Esplanade
Refreshed after our rest day, we tackled the West trail up Tapeats Creek, avoiding the high river crossings required by the East route. We took a long, cool lunch break at Thunder River Falls. Awesome.
Since it was relatively cool with good cloud cover, we breezed through Surprise Valley and moved somewhat quickly through the Redwall. We camped near the edge of the Esplanade which gave us amazing views, but we paid for the views with a very windy night.
Day 5: Esplanade to Bill Hall TH
An easy short day to the top, giving us time to marvel at the Esplanade. We got somewhat lucky with all the cloud cover and no crazy storms on this trip, and will certainly be back to discover more of the magic of this area. |
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
