Thunder River Trail

The trailhead for the Thunder River Trail is located at Indian Hollow. To get to Indian Hollow you can basically use the same directions for getting to the Bill Hall Trail at Monument Point. Just remember to keep following the signs for Thunder River signs and take the right turn around mile 29.5.

I have not done the top 5 miles of this trail myself so I cannot attest to its difficulty. During my hike in May, 1995 I did get the chance to talk to some people who had come down this trail and they claimed that it was not difficult. Most people will tell you to use the Thunder River Trail as opposed to the Bill Hall Trail if you are planning a hike in this area because it is much easier. I prefer to be careful and take the shorter and steeper route which is involves some 5 miles less hiking.

From the trailhead at Indian Hollow the trail contours almost due west along the rim for a little more than a ½ mile to spot called Little Saddle. Here it makes a quick descent through the Kaibab, Toroweap and Coconino formations via numerous switchbacks. These level out somewhat as the trail descends through the Hermit Shale on down to the Esplanade. Once it reaches the Esplanade it begins to work its way eastward without much in the way of elevation gain or loss for the 4 miles until it joins up with the Bill Hall trail. Before reaching the Bill Hall trail it will take you on a little side trip around the Deer Creek drainage which is just north of the Bill Hall trail junction. Regardless of which way you have come in, Thunder River or Bill Hall, this is a good place to cache water for your final assault on the hike out.