Strawberry Peak
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Strawberry, with its distinctive namesake shape, is the tallest peak in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains, with views of Mt Baldy, Mt Wilson, Mt Lukens, the City of LA, and the shimmering Pacific Ocean. Route 1 is a popular moderate hike that starts at Red Box at the junction of Angeles Crest Highway and Mount Wilson Road and winds its way around the front of Mt Lawlor, which it is commonly climbed together with, to the saddle between Strawberry and Lawlor. The last mile follows the steep ridge line up and over several false summits to the actual peak. Route 2 ascends beautiful Colby Canyon as per Josephine Peak route 2 to Josephine Saddle. From there the route turns east and follows an improbable course zig-zagging up a series of third class ledges to the summit. Route finding is facilitated by arrows painted on rocks at strategic locations. A climbing helmet is recommended when climbing this route, and is required on official outings.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
From the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2), drive north on Angeles Crest Highway 9.5 miles to Angeles Forest Highway. Keep straight.
Continue about 4.5 miles to the junction with the Mount Wilson Road at the Red Box Ranger Station. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (4600′), hike east along Angeles Crest Highway for 100′, and go up the dirt road on the left (2N46) for about 3/4 mile to a trail junction on the left.
Turn left and follow the trail about 1/4 mile to the top of a ridge coming up from Red Box Divide.
Continue on the trail around the flanks of Lawlor to the saddle between Lawlor and Strawberry (5200’+).
Here the trail starts down along the east side of the ridge. Leave it and ascend the use trail along the ridge to the summit.
Driving route
From the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2), drive north on Angeles Crest Highway 9.5 miles to Angeles Forest Highway. Keep straight.
Continue about 1.0 mile to the Colby Canyon trailhead parking area on the left. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (3500′), hike up the Colby Canyon Trail to where it meets the ridge at a water tank at about 4800’+. This is Josephine Saddle.
Turn right and follow the trail northeast about 30 yards, then climb the use trail on your right to gain the ridge.
Hike east up along the ridge passing a chalky buttress on the north side to the base of the summit.
Here the trail becomes quite rocky with some class 3 climbing. The route here is marked by paint on the rocks. Follow this route up to the summit.
Route Notes
Note: HPS policy requires the possession and use of a climbing helmet on Class 3 terrain or where the hazard of rockfall is present.
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
Google Earth
We welcome your comments, reviews, tips, photos and trip reports!
You must be logged in to upload images.
Sign up to post your trip reports, photos and comments, and to receive occasional updates about news and events
