Strawberry Peak
Overview
This is a moderate and very popular way trail to Strawberry Peak in San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
The trail leaves the Red Box Parking Lot, crosses the street to the north an then ascends the hill. The first two miles are pretty easy. The trail climbs consistently up to a saddle between Lawlor and Strawberry Peaks. There is also a junction with the Gabrialino Trail that is used to loop back to Josephine Peak and Colby canyon. The trail to Lawlor is faint but just ascends the ridge to the east from the saddle. The main trail just continues straight across the saddle and up the west ridge. It's fairly steep from here, and a set of poles can be helpful to find your balance. The trail continues for another mile or so, then reaches the namesake peak.
Views along the trail are amazing with eastern views to Wilson and Mt Baldy to the east and northeast. Fire damage from the 2020 fires is clear to the east. Downtown LA is visible to the south with the shoreline cities, and Catalina Island in the distance.
The straight up and back is 7 miles with 1,700 feet elevation gain, so allow for at least 4 hours. In summer it's very hot, so adjust your water carry accordingly.
This trail goes by Gabrielino Trail East, Gabrielino Trail west, and Red Box.
Getting Started
This trail starts from the popular Red Box Picnic area. Generally the road is clear unless theres been a rainfall/snowfall event within the last day or so. Trails from this parking lot take in the southfacing slopes for Strawberry which tend to be warm and dry and the north-facing slopes to San Gabriel Peak to the south which are popular with snow hikers.
Given it's popularity, starting early is recommended as the parking lot fills up. It's going to be very warm in the summer time.
You need an adventure pass to park. If you don't have one, they'll leave a reminder ticket that costs the same $5, so don't sweat it.
Taking Children
This would be a good hike for fit children who like to climb. It's short distance makes it popular with folks who are tackling their first peaks. The total climb of approximately 1,700 feet is one of the more moderate for bagging peaks.
Sights to See
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Public Tracks
