Strawberry Peak: Hiking the San Gabriel Mountains’ Front-Range High Point

Strawberry Peak

Strawberry Peak rises prominently above the foothills north of Pasadena, offering one of the most rewarding summit hikes near Los Angeles. At approximately 6,165 feet above sea level, it is the highest summit in the front range of California’s San Gabriel Mountains.

The mountain is best known for its steep final ridge, broad views across Southern California, and unusual name. Early mountaineers reportedly thought its rounded profile resembled an enormous strawberry turned upside down.

Despite its proximity to the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Strawberry Peak feels rugged and surprisingly remote. Hikers encounter exposed chaparral slopes, rocky ridges, fire-shaped vegetation, and panoramic views extending toward Mount Wilson, Mount San Antonio, Big Tujunga Canyon, and the Los Angeles Basin.

🏔️ Overview

Strawberry Peak stands in Los Angeles County within Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. It belongs to the San Gabriel Mountains, which form part of Southern California’s east–west-trending Transverse Ranges.

The peak is only slightly higher than nearby San Gabriel Peak. Traditional maps place Strawberry Peak at 6,164 feet and San Gabriel Peak at 6,161 feet, giving Strawberry Peak the front range title by approximately three feet.

Modern lidar analysis places Strawberry Peak’s summit at 6,164.7 feet, which rounds to 6,165 feet. Its prominence of approximately 1,563 feet makes it a genuinely distinct mountain rather than a minor point along a higher ridge.

The standard route begins at Red Box Picnic Area on Angeles Crest Highway. It follows the Strawberry Peak Trail around the slopes of Mount Lawlor before climbing a much steeper summit ridge. A more difficult alternative from Colby Canyon includes exposed Class 3 scrambling and should be reserved for experienced scramblers.

⚡ Fast Facts

Fact	Details
Continent	North America
Country	United States
State	California
County/Region	Los Angeles County
Mountain Range	San Gabriel Mountains, Transverse Ranges
Parent Peak	Round Top
Elevation	6,165 feet / 1,879 meters
Prominence	1,563 feet / 476 meters
Isolation	5.52 miles / 8.88 kilometers
Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN)	Round Top, north-northeast
Coordinates	34.28349° N, 118.12044° W
Protected Area	Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument
USGS Topographic Map	Chilao Flat
Standard Route	Strawberry Peak Trail from Red Box Picnic Area
Typical Round-Trip Distance	Approximately 7.2–7.5 miles
Typical Elevation Gain	Approximately 1,500–1,800 feet
Traditional Route Difficulty	Strenuous hike with steep, rocky terrain
Advanced Route	Class 3 scramble from the Colby Canyon side

📍 Location

Strawberry Peak is located in the western San Gabriel Mountains, roughly 10 miles north of Pasadena and within relatively easy driving distance of central Los Angeles. The summit rises north of Angeles Crest Highway between Red Box Gap and Josephine Saddle.

The mountain occupies an important position along the front range—the line of summits that rises immediately behind Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and neighboring communities. Because there are few higher obstructions to the south, Strawberry Peak is visible from portions of the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles.

The standard trailhead is at Red Box Picnic Area near the junction of Angeles Crest Highway and Mount Wilson Red Box Road. The picnic area sits at approximately 4,640 feet and provides parking, picnic tables, vault toilets, and access to several regional trails.

An Adventure Pass or an accepted federal interagency recreation pass is normally required for parking. Forest closures, fire restrictions, storm damage, and road conditions can change quickly, so visitors should consult the Angeles National Forest before traveling.

📏 Elevation and Prominence

Strawberry Peak has long been listed at 6,164 feet. More detailed lidar measurements place the summit at 6,164.7 feet, making 6,165 feet the appropriate rounded elevation.

Its clean topographic prominence is approximately 1,563 feet. The mountain’s key col—the lowest point that connects it to higher terrain—is approximately 4,602 feet above sea level.

Strawberry Peak has an isolation of about 5.52 miles. Its nearest higher terrain lies toward Round Top, north-northeast of the summit. Round Top therefore serves as both its nearest higher neighbor and its topographic parent under the commonly used prominence relationship.

Learn more about how this relationship is calculated in What Is a Parent Peak?.

Strawberry Peak’s elevation is modest compared with Mount San Antonio, the highest summit in the San Gabriel Mountains. However, Strawberry Peak’s prominent position along the front range gives it commanding views and a more imposing appearance than its elevation might suggest.

🪨 Geology

Strawberry Peak is part of the geologically complex San Gabriel Mountains, which contain some of the oldest exposed rocks in Southern California. The range includes ancient metamorphic rocks as well as granitic intrusive rocks formed when molten material cooled deep beneath Earth’s surface.

Granitic rocks dominate much of the Mount Wilson–Waterman region surrounding Strawberry Peak. These durable crystalline rocks form the peak’s exposed outcrops, steep ridges, angular boulders, and rugged northern cliffs.

The San Gabriel Mountains are part of the Transverse Ranges, an unusual group of mountain ranges that trend primarily east to west rather than following the more common north–south orientation of many California ranges. Their orientation and rapid uplift are connected to compression and movement along Southern California’s complicated fault systems.

Tectonic uplift raised the crystalline bedrock while streams, landslides, wildfire, and erosion carved the steep canyons surrounding the mountain. Big Tujunga Canyon to the north and the Arroyo Seco watershed to the south help emphasize Strawberry Peak’s considerable local relief.

The mountain is not a volcano. Its granitic rocks formed underground and were later exposed by uplift and erosion.

🌿 Flora and Fauna

Most of Strawberry Peak is covered by Southern California chaparral. Common plants include chamise, manzanita, ceanothus, scrub oak, sage, buckwheat, and yucca. Wildflowers and blue-flowering ceanothus can brighten the slopes during favorable spring seasons.

Pines and oaks occur in cooler pockets, sheltered gullies, and around Strawberry Meadow on the mountain’s northern side. Vegetation is generally thinner along exposed ridges where intense sunlight, limited moisture, wind, and rocky soil make growing conditions difficult.

The area was heavily affected by the 2009 Station Fire, one of the largest fires recorded in Los Angeles County. Burned tree trunks remain visible in places, while recovering chaparral demonstrates how strongly the ecosystem is shaped by fire.

Poodle-dog bush may appear in disturbed or previously burned ground. The plant’s purple, bell-shaped flowers can look attractive, but contact may produce a serious skin reaction. Hikers should avoid touching it and consider wearing long pants.

Wildlife in the surrounding forest may include:

Mule deer
Coyotes
Bobcats
American black bears
Gray foxes
Western fence lizards
California quail
Red-tailed hawks
Turkey vultures
Southern Pacific rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are an important consideration during warm weather. Hikers should watch where they place their hands and feet, particularly around rocks, thick brush, and sunny sections of trail.

The captivating eyes of a California mountain lion are absolutely mesmerizing. | Cassidy Scott

🥾 Hiking and Climbing Routes

Strawberry Peak Trail from Red Box

The Red Box approach is the standard and least technical route to the summit. Depending on the precise track recorded, the hike measures approximately 7.2 to 7.5 miles round trip with roughly 1,500 to 1,800 feet of total climbing.

The route begins across Angeles Crest Highway from Red Box Picnic Area. Hikers should cross cautiously because vehicles may travel quickly along this section of road.

The first portion climbs gradually through chaparral before traversing the southern and western slopes of Mount Lawlor. Views open toward Mount Wilson, San Gabriel Peak, Mount Disappointment, and the surrounding canyons.

After approximately 2.5 miles, the trail reaches Lawlor Saddle between Mount Lawlor and Strawberry Peak. The character of the hike changes considerably here.

A rough summit path climbs the eastern ridge, gaining approximately 950 feet over the final 1.25 miles. The path passes several false summits and includes steep, loose, and occasionally rocky terrain. Some hikers may use their hands for balance, but technical climbing equipment is not normally required in dry conditions.

Route-finding can be less obvious than on the lower trail. Staying close to the ridgeline helps prevent hikers from wandering onto unstable side slopes or damaging surrounding vegetation.

Colby Canyon and the Mountaineer’s Route

The Colby Canyon approach is substantially more serious. It climbs toward Josephine Saddle before following a steep ridge or rock face toward Strawberry Peak.

Sections of this route involve Class 3 scrambling, meaning hikers must use their hands and feet to climb exposed rock. A fall could have serious consequences. The route may also involve loose stone, brush, difficult route-finding, and considerable exposure.

This approach is unsuitable for inexperienced hikers, people uncomfortable with heights, or anyone attempting it during rain, ice, snow, or strong winds. Climbers should understand scrambling grades and be capable of reversing every move they climb.

Strawberry Meadow

Strawberry Meadow lies below the mountain’s dramatic northern face. It can be reached using the Strawberry Peak and Colby Canyon trail system.

The meadow does not provide the simplest summit approach, but it offers a quieter destination surrounded by pines, grassy openings, granite cliffs, and recovering forest. It can be incorporated into longer loop or through-hike itineraries by experienced hikers familiar with the local trail network.

🏔️ Field Guide Tip: The Red Box route receives intense sun and offers little dependable shade. Begin early, carry more water than you expect to need, and save energy for the steep final ridge—the hardest climbing begins after Lawlor Saddle.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

The most comfortable seasons for hiking Strawberry Peak are generally late autumn, winter, and spring. Temperatures are cooler, visibility may be clearer, and seasonal wildflowers can appear during spring.

Spring

Spring often provides pleasant temperatures and colorful chaparral blooms. However, wet winters can leave snow or ice on shaded upper slopes. Recently burned or disturbed areas may also support poodle-dog bush.

Summer

Summer can be dangerously hot. Much of the route is exposed to direct sunlight, and heat radiating from the trail can make conditions feel hotter than forecast temperatures suggest.

Hikers attempting a summer ascent should start near sunrise, carry substantial water, use sun protection, and be prepared to turn around if heat becomes excessive.

Autumn

Autumn often brings dry trails and cooler temperatures, although wildfire danger can be high. Santa Ana winds may produce extreme fire conditions and make exposed ridges uncomfortable or unsafe.

Winter

Winter ascents can be enjoyable on clear days, but Strawberry Peak occasionally receives snow. Ice can transform otherwise manageable slopes into dangerous terrain. Traction equipment and winter experience may be necessary after storms.

🧭 Nearby Mountains and Attractions

Mount Lawlor

Mount Lawlor rises directly east of Strawberry Peak and is passed on the standard Red Box route. A rough side trail reaches its summit, although the path is less maintained than Strawberry Peak Trail.

Josephine Peak

Josephine Peak stands west of Strawberry Peak and is recognizable by the road leading toward its summit. It offers broad views across Big Tujunga Canyon and can be approached from Colby Canyon.

San Gabriel Peak

San Gabriel Peak is only about three feet lower than Strawberry Peak. It rises near Mount Disappointment and is reached by a shorter trail from the Eaton Saddle area.

Mount Wilson

Nearby Mount Wilson combines mountain scenery with scientific history. Its observatory played a central role in discoveries that transformed humanity’s understanding of the universe.

Mount Lukens

At 5,075 feet, Mount Lukens is the highest point within the city limits of Los Angeles. It can be seen west of Strawberry Peak on clear days.

Switzer Falls

Switzer Falls provides a lower-elevation alternative for visitors seeking a canyon hike rather than a strenuous summit. The trail follows the Arroyo Seco through woodland and historic recreation sites before reaching the waterfall area.

View of the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles County, California. Strawberry Peak trail. | Eroshka

💡 Fun Facts

Strawberry Peak is the highest summit in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains.
It exceeds nearby San Gabriel Peak by only approximately three feet.
Its name reportedly comes from its resemblance to an upside-down strawberry.
Modern lidar places the summit at 6,164.7 feet.
The peak has more than 1,500 feet of topographic prominence.
Strawberry Peak appears on the Sierra Club Hundred Peaks Section list.
The 2009 Station Fire burned much of the surrounding landscape.
The summit provides views toward the Los Angeles Basin, Mount Wilson, Mount San Antonio, Big Tujunga Canyon, and numerous San Gabriel summits.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Strawberry Peak?

Strawberry Peak reaches approximately 6,165 feet, or 1,879 meters, above sea level. Its traditional mapped elevation is 6,164 feet.

Is Strawberry Peak the highest mountain in the San Gabriel Mountains?

No. The highest summit in the range is Mount San Antonio, commonly called Mount Baldy. Strawberry Peak is the highest summit in the San Gabriel Mountains’ front range.

How long is the Strawberry Peak hike?

The standard hike from Red Box is approximately 7.2 to 7.5 miles round trip. GPS tracks and route variations may produce slightly different totals.

How difficult is Strawberry Peak?

The Red Box route is a strenuous hike rather than a technical climb. Its final ridge is steep, rocky, exposed to the sun, and more difficult than the gradual opening miles.

The Colby Canyon mountaineer’s route is considerably harder and includes Class 3 scrambling.

Is Strawberry Peak suitable for beginners?

Fit beginners with experience on steep trails may be able to complete the Red Box route with an experienced companion. It is not an ideal first hike because of the sustained climb, heat exposure, loose terrain, and rough summit path.

Why is it called Strawberry Peak?

The name is traditionally attributed to early mountaineers who thought the mountain’s rounded profile resembled a giant strawberry turned upside down.

Is a parking pass required at Red Box?

The Forest Service lists Red Box Picnic Area as a fee site where an Adventure Pass or accepted America the Beautiful interagency pass is required.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are generally permitted but must be kept on a leash at Red Box and within areas governed by applicable Forest Service restrictions. Owners should carefully consider heat, limited water, rattlesnakes, sharp rocks, and the steep summit ridge.

Is there water along the trail?

Hikers should not depend on natural water sources. Although potable water may sometimes be available at Red Box, availability can change. Carry all water needed for the entire hike.

Can Strawberry Peak be climbed during winter?

Yes, but snow and ice occasionally affect the summit ridge. Winter hikers should check recent conditions and carry appropriate traction when necessary.

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