The Vitals
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Directions- Head over Luther
Pass(89) and Carson Pass(88) past Kirkwood and to the top of the Carson
Spur. Trailhead is on left (South) side of road and well
marked.
Round trip -7.2 miles. Topo map
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Nice
Trail
Great Views
Bikes Allowed |
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Part of the trail is
on the Kirkwood ridgeline
No water (lakes, rivers, etc.)
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Locals Tips
Start your hike early, and then
head to the Potholes to
cool off.
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I've been thinking about this trail
for a long time since it's in one of my favorite areas. Since it's so
close to areas of Kirkwood I spend a lot of time in, I figured I wasn't
missing much. I couldn't have been more wrong. The hike from the
trailhead was a steady climb up to the wind fence above the
spur. A short while later and we were at the Sentinel (familiar
territory from our many sidecountry days at Kirkwood). Once
you gain Kirkwood's ridgeline you follow it until you reach Glove Rock.
Then you turn right and head to Thunder Mountain. The hike gets fairly
steep in a few short sections, but I would rate it moderate overall
based on the general lack of whining experienced. The views are
fantastic as you overlook Silver Lake beyond the numerous lava
formations.
 
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