Thunder Knob Trail(edit)

I arrived at Colonial Creek Campground the day before, I slept in later than intended, but I still hit the trail early enough to beat the rush. I had the trail to myself as I worked my way up the switchbacks through the lush forest. The forest opens up and becomes exposed to the sun for the last half of this hike. Bring sunblock or a hat. The first overlook provided a great view of Colonial Peak. Hiking on, through the dry pine, dropping down around a small pond and then up again to the last lookout, I heard buzzing of flies but was not bothered by them. Making it to the end I saw the bright blue Diablo Lake below. I sat in the shade before heading back down, passing at least 10 groups of hikers. This is a very popular trail!