This trail is actually super accessible this time of year. I usually drive right past this trail during summer, because parking is way too crowded. It was super easy to find a parking spot by the trailhead this weekend.
The trailhead is on the other side of the campground. Because the National Park rangers don't maintain the campgrounds during off-season, there were a ton of blowdowns (fallen trees) in the campground to navigate around.
By the parking lot, you'll find information about the route as well as a notice regarding a bridge being out. The creek crossing in question is just on the other side of the campground. If navigating the blowdowns was manageable, you should be able to rock-hop to the other side of the creek without any issue. Alternatively, you can bring waterproof waders to walk through the creek, which has a really low flow rate.
The trail on the other side of the creek crossing is marked with pink ribbon.
The entire trail to Thunder Knob is a series of gentle uphill switchbacks with plenty of trailside benches to stop and enjoy the mountain views.
The trail passes by Thunder Lake which is already frozen over this time of year.
The end of the trail has a couple of viewpoints overlooking Diablo Lake.
There is light patchy snow on the trail but microspikes and snowshoes are not yet required here.
Comments
Stunning pic!
Posted by:
blueskies216 on May 30, 2023 01:58 PM