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Hiking to Strawberry Peak

January 18, 2019 By CeCe Lorthioir 10 Comments

Views from Strawberry Peak

At 6,165 feet, Strawberry Peak is the highest summit in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains, a mere 3 feet taller than its neighbor, San Gabriel Peak. This area was heavily damaged and was closed after the Station Fire in 2009, but was re-opened in 2014.

Strawberry Peak name was given by mountaineers over a century ago because of its peak’s likeness to an enormous upside-down strawberry fruit.

During clear days, Strawberry Peak can be seen as a round bump behind San Gabriel Peak and Mount Wilson, usually visible from the LA basin.

img
Trail Details
Summit: 6,165′
Distance: 7.5 miles
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain (loss): 2,609 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round (weather dependent)
Though it is a short in/out hike, it is also a challenging one, crossing three different “false peaks” and requires a slightly technical climb with a bit of rock scrambling to reach its Peak.

Hikers are rewarded with excellent views of the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains, and beyond to Los Angeles and Glendale skylines.

Getting to Trailhead

Red Box Picnic Area is easy to reach. It is 14 miles up along the Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) from La Canada Flintridge, at the intersection of Mount Wilson Red Box Road. The picnic area has a large parking lot with a public restroom. An Adventure Pass is required to park.

To get to Strawberry Peak trailhead, VERY carefully cross Highway 2 from parking lot. The trailhead is marked with a wood post announcing the Strawberry Peak Trail.

CeCe and Meredith at the Red Box parking lot
Highway 2
Hiking Strawberry Peak
Marker for the Strawberry Peak Trail

Hiking the Trail to Strawberry Peak

The hike starts easily enough on a single-track dirt trail lined with oak trees and ascends gradually and continues up the ridge above Highway 2. Power lines run along this early portion of the trail, but rest assured, it ends as you go further up.

The Strawberry Peak trail begins

Continue hiking up to 0.9 miles to a sharp switchback heading west, with Mount Lawlor rising just above you. The trail continues to ascend gradually, with occasional downhill stretches which are not bad. At mile 2, you will look south with an excellent view of Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak, and Mount Wilson to the west.

Strawberry Peak hike guide

At this point, you will also have an intimidating view of the steep slope to Strawberry Peak. From here, you will hike downhill, dropping sharply to the Lawlor Saddle, losing some of the hard-earned gains. Once at the Lawlor Saddle, it is a good spot to rest and refuel before the technical climb to the peak.

Continue up the steep ridgeline

Mile 2.5 marks the beginning of the steep ascent to Strawberry Peak. Turn left, off Strawberry Peak Trail, leaving the comfort of the trail. (Although, it is tempting to continue on the right, towards Strawberry Meadow). At this point, the climb is relentless with some rock scrambles, and which you may occasionally use your hands to navigate big rocks.

Strawberry Peak Trail

Yucca, sage and low shrubs dominate the landscape in this part. As you climb, there will be two false peaks that follows the ridge line, and finally arriving on the real peak of Strawberry Peak.

The peak itself is a small bump, surrounded by low brush, and with spectacular views of the LA basin. Some hikers bring strawberries (if in season) as an homage for conquering its sweet summit.

Scrub and marker at the summit of Strawberry Peak
Strawberry Peak is part of the SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
Meredith smiling on Strawberry Peak
Bring your own strawberries

After your summit selfies and celebratory strawberries, return to the Red Box parking area the same way you came.

Strawberry Peak Trail Map

© OpenStreetMap contributors
Download file: strawberry-peak-via-red-box.gpx

Tips & Resources for Hiking Strawberry Peak

  • Go early to get first dibs on parking. An Adventure Pass is required for parking.
  • There is a restroom at the parking lot area.
  • Avoid the Poodle-dog bush! Do NOT touch it! It is pretty to look at with purple flowers, but this can irritate skin and cause itching, rashes and blisters. Symptoms are very similar to poison oak. Wearing long pants is highly recommended.
  • Bring sun protection. Once above the tree line, you are fully exposed to the sun. This hike will be extremely hot during the summertime.
  • Carry at least 3 liters of hydration. There are no water sources here.
  • Strawberry Peak is part of the SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge supporting Big City Mountaineers.

Strawberry Peak Weather Forecast

The location could not be found.

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 6-8 miles, California, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Six-Pack of Peaks, SoCal, Strawberry Peak, strenuous

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CeCe L

About CeCe Lorthioir

In 2015, CeCe spontaneously organized a group of five to hike Mt. Baldy. That hike started Hike Beyond the Hills, which today has over 500 members. Since then, CeCe has lead yearly group hikes to successfully complete the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. Her mission as a hike leader is to build a community of responsible hikers who prioritize safety.

Comments

  1. David - Potty Adventures says

    January 22, 2019 at 12:34 pm

    This looks like a great hike with some lovely views.

    Reply
  2. Mandy EMandy E says

    February 5, 2019 at 12:34 pm

    If I was looking to camp near by for this hike, where would you recommend?

    Reply
  3. CeCe Lorthioir says

    February 5, 2019 at 3:19 pm

    Mandy:
    Though I never camped here, the closest campgrounds are Valley Forge and West Fork.
    https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/angeles/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=41672&actid=29

    Hope this helped.
    CeCe

    Reply
  4. Asen says

    February 24, 2019 at 4:21 am

    Hey Cece,

    Greetings from a fellow hiker and blogger from Bulgaria. We have some exciting trails here and I hope one day you will be able to come and see them. This is my blog gearuphiking.com. I’d love to connect with you.

    Strawberry peak looks like the perfect place for a nice hike.Quick question – is it kid-friendly?

    Keep up the great work, I love the websiteand your writing.

    Reply
  5. Lydia says

    February 25, 2019 at 7:33 pm

    Hello Cece, this is a nice article. I’l put this on my list when I’ll get to travel to the US. I think this is an exciting hike.

    Reply
  6. Ladakh tour package says

    April 3, 2019 at 3:21 am

    It seems you had a great experience hiking on strawberry peak. I loved the way you shared your own journey with us. Looking forward to hike on such place. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Antonio says

      January 29, 2020 at 3:27 pm

      What did you use to your elevation gain? I use a Garmin Fénix and my numbers are close to yours but most of the hiking sites list it at 1500- 1900 gain. Thanks AC

      Reply
  7. Brian Farris says

    August 13, 2019 at 12:26 pm

    2 cuties 1 mountain

    Reply
  8. Mikey says

    May 22, 2020 at 5:28 pm

    I loved the way you shared your own journey with us.

    Strawberry peak looks like the perfect place for a nice hike. Quick question – is it dog-friendly?

    Keep up the great work, I shared it in our social media for our audience.

    Reply
  9. fergus says

    May 31, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    i would say this hike is not kid friendly . I’ve seen people carrying their dog UP the trail . Poor dog , not trained for a hike like this . Regarding the hike … its BRUTAL . Saw people turning around on the first false peak . Wear proper hiking shoes, not tennis shoes . Bring water . If you think you have enough , you don’t . bring more . Wear a wide brimmed hat . Leave predawn !! DON’T LEAVE TRASH ! There is zero shade , and its very steep . Its super challenging IF you’re prepped. If you’re not , bring a garmin with a SOS feature.

    Reply

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