10am at the Thunder Mountain trailhead just west of the Carson Spur and Kirkwood

This isn't the shortest route to Thunder- but is a much more gradual ascent than the route up from Kirkwood. About 8 miles and 2k of gain.

Thunder is the county highpoint of Amador CA.

Very nice trailhead sign with a map and trail description/mileages of all the nearby routes

One other car at the trailhead, though it would be full up on my return. Quite hot today.

Officially 3.6 miles on the trail to the summit.

The trail started upward almost immediately and soon passed through this mule ear filled meadow.

These structures are presumably to reduce avalance danger on the section of 88 that passes just below.

Martin Point on the horizon from the early trail.

Soon reached the ridgeline for a view down to Kirkwood below. (And 88 heading towards Capers lake beyond)

One of the two impressive "Sentinel" rock structures.