Trip report
Mar 27, 2016 — Many seem to approach Thimble Peak from the east via the Sycamore Reservoir Trail, but I was also hoping to check out a feature known as Seven Falls, found along the Bear Canyon Trail (Trail #29). This would add significantly more mileage and vertical gain, but it felt worth it. I parked at the Bear Canyon Trailhead and headed north into the mouth of the canyon. The trail roughly followed the watercourse, and at this lower, hotter elevation the water was welcome. A few miles later I reached Seven Falls, a series of cascades and a very popular destination. I spent a little bit of time at one of the upper falls before I continued onward along the Bear Canyon Trail.
Although the views become a bit more open and the expansive meadows had a very different vibe from the earlier portion of the hike, the trail was a bit less interesting past the waterfalls. The trail ascends via a series of switchbacks in order to gain the ridge above, and then a social trail leads away from the trail, heading west along the ridge. This social trail is easy to follow and has nice views into Bear Canyon as it approaches the base of Thimble Peak. From the base, I kept to the right (northwest) side of Thimble Peak and found the gully required to ascend the summit block. Some Class 2 leads into a tight gully. At the top of the gully is the crux of the summit block. There was a fixed rope on my visit, but expect to pull some Class 4/5 moves if there is no rope when you come. Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon are seen stretching away from the gorgeous summit block view.