Continued from the previous page.

HOODOO LAND

After the second narrow ridge/spine the trail winds down through some interesting hoodoos.

The first picture shows the trail from the next ridge, where I got photos of Jim riding his bike toward the second spine:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love that part of the trail!

INSPIRATION TRAIL

At the bottom of this section the trail intersects with the Inspiration Trail. Now we're about 2.5 miles from the lower trailhead. This is a pretty rocky trail with a very steep pitch the last hundred feet. I doubt cyclists use this trail but equestrians do; there's a hitching post near the top.

Here are some photos from the short spur trail (1/4 mile in, 1/4 mile back out) to Inspiration Point, which offers good views of the colorful amphitheater from below:

 

 

 

 

 

Hitching posts with a view to the Sevier River Valley

Arrow = trail near the top of Inspiration Point

View of amphitheater from Inspiration Point

Vibrant rock colors in the amphitheater

Above and below:   White Point is visible from US 89 in the Sevier River Valley if 
you know where to look for it.  The trail goes right behind it on the ridge.

 

Above and below:  views to the west

In another half mile, up on the next ridge, trail users can see the multi-colored amphitheater much closer.

INSPIRATION POINT TO THE HIGH RIDGE

The Thunder Ridge Trail begins another series of switchbacks from the intersection with the Inspiration Trail that takes hikers up to a long ridge above the amphitheater.

The ascent up the tight switchbacks has some rough rocks and steep sections. The numerous loose rocks cause me more grief on the descent than the ascent. Be careful of out-of-control cyclists here because it's easy for them to skid on the gravel, too:

 

 

 

View northwest; you can see some of the switchbacks below.

Continued on the next page:  panoramic scenes from the highest ridge on the trail

Happy trails,

Sue
"Runtrails & Company" - Sue Norwood, Jim O'Neil, Cody the ultra Lab, and Casey-pup

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© 2015 Sue Norwood and Jim O'Neil