Thunderbolt Peak

Thunderbolt Peak
Polemonium, North Palisade, Starlight, Thunderbolt Peaks
Highest point
Elevation	14,009 ft (4,270 m) NAVD 88
Prominence	203 ft (62 m)
Parent peak	North Palisade
Listing	SPS Mountaineers peak Western Climbers Star peak
Coordinates	37°05′53″N 118°31′03″W
Geography
Thunderbolt Peak California
Location	Fresno / Inyo counties, California, U.S.
Parent range	Sierra Nevada
Topo map	USGS North Palisade
Climbing
First ascent	August 13, 1931 by Robert Underhill, Norman Clyde, Bestor Robinson, Francis Farbquar, Glen Dawson, Lewis Clark and Jules Eichorn
Easiest route	Technical climb, class 4, by several routes

Thunderbolt Peak is a peak in the Palisades group of peaks in the Sierra Nevada in the U.S. state of California. It rises to 14,009 feet (4,270 m) and could be considered the thirteenth-highest peak in the state, but since the peak has less than 300 feet (91 m) of prominence it is usually considered a subsidiary peak of North Palisade. But if it is considered a separate mountain peak, Thunderbolt Peak is the northernmost fourteener in the Sierra Nevada.

The first ascent was attempted by a party of very well-known climbers. During the climb, a lightning bolt struck very close to Jules Eichorn, breaking his concentration. The mountain was named in commemoration of this event.

Thunderbolt Peak, west aspect

See also

• The Palisades of the Sierra Nevada
• Beinn a' Bheithir (A Scottish hill whose Gaelic name translates as Thunderbolt Peak)

External links

• "Thunderbolt Peak". SummitPost.org.