Thunder Mountain Trail

Uses: Hike, Bike, Horse
Length: 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Time required: 4-6 hours, depending on use
FS Trail #: 098

Directions: At approximately mile 3 on Highway 12, turn south into the Thunder Mountain Trailhead. A restroom and equestrian area are available.

Description: One of the premier trails in the region, the Thunder Mountain Trail follows a normally dry wash for about 1.5 miles before climbing a series of steep switchbacks to a ridge that overlooks Red Canyon to the north, Wilson Peak to the southeast, and the Sevier River Valley to the west. The trail stays along the ridge, but there are many ups and downs before it winds its way to its ending point at the Coyote Hollow Trailhead.

Mountain bikers may wish to start at the Coyote Hollow Trailhead and make a loop by riding the paved Red Canyon Bicycle Trail back (uphill). To access the Coyote Hollow Trailhead, continue through Red Canyon until it opens up on the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Where the bike trail presently ends, turn south onto Forest Road 30117, which is also the Fremont ATV Trail. Follow the road past the Fremont Trail turnoff to a small equestrian campground, then past the Red Canyon Botanical Area, until it ends at Coyote Hollow Trailhead.