Thunder Mountain Moods

Thunder Mountain, a.k.a. Capitol Butte, catches the evening light as viewed from the Teacup Trail in Sedona, Arizona. Viewed as the "alternative" way to bag the Butte's summit, the approach follows a ridge system north of Sugarloaf, and climbs the prominent gully or small canyon between Capitol Butte and the unnamed (smaller) peak on it's right. Gaining altitude very quickly, the summit is surmounted via a ridge on the west side of the Butte's craggy summit. (Higher up on the mountain. you'll find a 4th Class mantle through a chimney, which leads to the Butte's highest point.) No water on this one, folks! That's why October is the best time to do it. Long pants are also recommended, as there are plenty of prickly cactus, agave and catclaw along the way. But, the scenery is well worth the misery of this longer approach. August 27, 2009