We climbed the 1.8 miles of moderate elevation as a warmup for Sourdough Mountain the next day. The trail is washed out at the beginning, so there is a log to use to cross the creek right at the beginning.  Nice view of Diablo from the top. 

Busy hike but with beautiful views at the top! Most of the trail is pretty exposed so bring lots of water and sunscreen if you go on a hot day.

Did this quick hike while camping at colonial creek - wanted to stretch my legs some more while my camping companions napped after an early morning hike, and this was the perfect trail for that! It's a little on the busier side since it's pretty easy to access from the campground, though there is one creek crossing that involves a balancing act on some logs. From there, it's a steady climb up to the top with some great views of Colonial Peak along the way. At the end of the trail there are two lookout spots, and the first definitely has the best view of Diablo Lake. The colors were incredible and I enjoyed some quiet time up there before some more crowds caught up to take in the view and I decided to head down. All in all, at a pretty good pace and some time hanging at the top, it took about an hour and a half. 

Very busy hike for a weekday morning at 10 AM but still a great one. Trailhead parking is just before the bridge over the lake, between the two entrances to Colonial Creek Campgrounds.

Trail begins inside the campground and starts off in a dry riverbed. After a few hundred yards you will encounter colonial creek, there was a log down that you have to use to cross one river bed, to get to a bridge to cross another river bed. With a dog (leash required) this was a bit tricky but we made it. A bit of an odd way to start a hike, but well worth it.

Trail climbs for about 5-600 ft in the next 1.5-2 mile stretch up the the view points, meandering in and out of the trees. Some areas are exposed and were quite hot in full sun.

The view points at the top are incredible, we made it up in just under an hour, and could have spent many more at the top. The trek down is easy enough and gives you great views of Colonial peak the whole way back. Take a left at the trailhead on your way back and explore thunder arm for a nice cool off.

Very busy hike for a weekday morning at 10 AM but still a great one. Trailhead parking is just before the bridge over the lake, between the two entrances to Colonial Creek Campgrounds.

Trail begins inside the campground and starts off in a dry riverbed. After a few hundred yards you will encounter colonial creek, there was a log down that you have to use to cross one river bed, to get to a bridge to cross another river bed. With a dog (leash required) this was a bit tricky but we made it. A bit of an odd way to start a hike, but well worth it.

Trail climbs for about 5-600 ft in the next 1.5-2 mile stretch up the the view points, meandering in and out of the trees. Some areas are exposed and were quite hot in full sun.

The view points at the top are incredible, we made it up in just under an hour, and could have spent many more at the top. The trek down is easy enough and gives you great views of Colonial peak the whole way back. Take a left at the trailhead on your way back and explore thunder arm for a nice cool off.