Thunder River / Deer Creek
~3 days · 13.9 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Thunder River / Deer Creek is known for
From the Bill Hall Trailhead on the Grand Canyon's North Rim, this route drops across the Esplanade and Surprise Valley to Thunder River — a full-sized stream bursting straight from the canyon wall — and Deer Creek near the Colorado River. About 11-12 miles each way as mapped; most parties loop or retrace it in 2-4 days. Hot, dry, and strenuous, with a backcountry permit required.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 8,448 ft to 20,387 ft over 13.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 7.4 mi · 54%
- Downhill 5.5 mi · 40%
- Flat 0.9 mi · 7%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Thunder River / Deer Creek take?
Most backpackers hike the Thunder River / Deer Creek in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 13.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Thunder River / Deer Creek?
The Thunder River / Deer Creek climbs roughly 5,095 ft total — about 367 ft per mile, topping out near 6,253 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.