Starting at the Colonial Creek Campgrounds, the trail starts out fairly flat taking you along Thunder Creek for about two miles to the Fourth of July Pass trail head. Once you reach here, the trail begins to climb.

Beginning with switch backs, the path straightens out for a while before coming to a few more switch backs closer to the top. Along the way there are many openings in the trees to catch views of Colonial Peak, Snowfield Peak and Neve Glacier. Climbing 2000 feet, in 2.5 miles is the Fourth of July pass camp spots. Set up camp here, there are a few flat spots to plant your tent. The pass is less than a mile from here. There is a water source here as well.

Also note, this trail may be accessed from the Panther Creek trailhead further east down Highway 20.