Strawberry Peak via Red Box Station

A rugged chaparral singletrack that wraps through the interior front country before ascending a sharp prominent ridge. The optional class-2 rock scramble to the highest front-country peak makes this a local badge-of-honor trail.

Trail Overview

Strawberry Peak is the highest peak in the Angeles National Forest front country and it has the views to prove it. The approach through the chaparral is beautiful and the ridge climb is exposed and satisfying. The final scramble to the true summit is class-2 — hands on rock, not technical, but you need to be comfortable with exposure. Skip the scramble if you are not — the false summit still has excellent views. Wear long pants on the ridge section.

This Hike Is For You If…

Intermediate to advanced hikers who want a genuine peak with scrambling. Front-country peak baggers. Good training hike for exposed Sierra ridges.

Skip This Hike If…

Skip the summit scramble if you are uncomfortable with exposure. Skip in high winds — the ridge is exposed.

What to Expect on Trail

Terrain: Chaparral singletrack with exposed ridge. Class-2 scramble at summit. Some brushy sections.

Shade: Mostly Exposed

Water: None — Carry All Water. No water on trail. Carry 2 liters minimum.

Views: Outstanding

Crowds: Less crowded than Altadena-area trails despite similar accessibility.

Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.

Best Arrival: Before 9am on weekends. Weekdays this lot rarely fills.

This is a Tier 1 sourced review. Trail information is based on published sources and research. Andrew has not personally hiked this trail yet. Photos and firsthand sensory detail will be added when upgraded to Tier 2.