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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
760 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
15.0 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4.5-6.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek

Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek
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Table of contents

Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek is a moderate hike used by both day hikers and backpackers. It’s lightly trafficked and 9.3mi in length, making for a nice, quiet mid-distance trek. Some hikers don’t feel the views from the pass are necessarily worth the effort and some love them, but all love the super-quiet backcountry spots and the chance to get away from the crowds. Come try it for yourself and see. This trail offers lots of tree coverage, making it a good choice for hot days.

Route Description for Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek

Fourth of July Pass is most often accessed by way of Thunder Creek. This hike is not too busy and it offers views of the surrounding mountains from under the trees. There are lovely camping spots and good places to enjoy your lunch on the trail.

This route occasionally suffers from downed trees, and although they’re periodically cleared, you may need to navigate around recent blowdown.

Begin from the road leading southeast of the campground. You’ll hike a mostly flat path along Thunder Creek for two miles. About a third of a mile past the bridge, go left onto the Fourth of July Pass Trail.

You’ll now begin to gain elevation more aggressively, climbing around 610 m in about 4.0 km. The end of the climb sees you arrive at Fourth of July Camp. Look out over Colonial Peak, Snowfield Peak, and Neve Glacier. Take a moment to rest here before continuing on to the pass.

You’ll only need to hike another almost-mile to the pass at 1,097 m and it’s a gradual trek to get there. Enjoy even better views here. Once you’re done, you’ll retrace your steps back to the trailhead on the same route you came up on.

Getting to the Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek Trailhead

The trailhead for Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek is at the south end of Colonial Creek Campground.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    Fourth of July Camp, Thunder Camp

  • When to do:

    July-October

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek Elevation Graph

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