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.

[7] 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.