Thunderbolt Ridge

Thunderbolt Ridge is rooted in the heart of the Lone Peak Wilderness dividing the middle and west basins of Hogum Fork. Its moderate spine provides some aesthetic vertical en route to South Thunder or along one of the areas many scrambling traverses. Thunderbolt is the first ridge west of the imposing buttress housing Hogum's Heroes and has a broken, shattered look from the east. From the west, the ridge is much cleaner with a steep west aspect and a cool sawtooth horizon. Thunderbolt is fairly short, but the lanky approach makes up for its brief height. Overall the ridge runs for at least a quarter mile gaining about 800 feet, but only a few sections muster a fifth class rating.

Catch the ridge where it rises out of a broad shoulder and enjoy several hundred feet of initial beautiful scrambling. After gaining some elevation the ridge steepens for a step at a short slab split by a couple off-hands cracks (fun). More elevation gains mellower terrain and then another step. Numerous traverses, straddles, death-block scares ($#*%), and the increasing relief keep things interesting. The ridge seems to be exfoliating giant slabs westward; often you are climbing these teetering columns hoping something is welding them in place. There are countless variations as you gain elevation, avoid obstacles, and climb others. Most of the climbing is a mix of steep scrambling and sections of easy fifth class- but expect a few sections up to 5.6.

As Thunderbolt Ridge merges with the larger Lightning Ridge the climbing returns to scrambling- albeit much more loose and dangerous than the initial section. Top out on Lightning Ridge and enjoy the fantastic views south to Box Elder and Timp. Overall the ridge is pretty mellow with just a few technical sections. Several areas are incredibly loose and are just waiting to trundle. But generally the rock is solid, beautiful, and the setting is definitely wilderness.

About 300-400 meters west of Hogum's Heroes. The obvious ridge splitting the west and middle basins of Hogum Fork.

Super light alpine rack or extra butterfingers.