Josephine Peak

Josephine Peak, and adjacent Strawberry Peak, is the first prominent peak you encounter as you drive up Angeles Crest Highway and even as you look up to the San Gabriels from the La Canada area. A former fire lookout site, its lookout stood from 1937 to 1976, until it burned in the Big Tujunga Fire; only ruins remain. The peak affords excellent views of Angeles Crest and Strawberry Peak as well as views to San Gabriel Peak, Mount Wilson and the Pacific Ocean.

Route 1 is a straightforward fire road walk. Route 2 ascends Colby Canyon, which is quite beautiful, especially in the spring, to Josephine Saddle and then west on the ridge to the peak. Routes 1 and 2 can be combined for a loop hike with a short road walk or a car shuttle to avoid walking down Angeles Crest. The abandoned road past the water tank has been cleared in late 2023 and the hike across to the peak is very straightforward. It is possible to add Strawberry Peak Route 2 to a Josephine Peak summit, but plan on a car shuttle ending up at Red Box.