Strawberry Peak Out and Back

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This route goes through the chaparral covered south side of Mt Lawlor to the top of Strawberry Peak. Expect a gently climbing trail at first that really gains elevation the the last mile. Panoramic views of the southern San Gabriel Mountains grace the entire route.

The first 2 miles of this trail could be good for trail running. The remainder is steep and has some sections of scrambling.

This is the Strawberry Peak run from the east. Take Hwy 2 to Red Box. Cross Highway 2 (watch out for cars!) and go east about 100' to the start of an unmaintained dirt road. Follow this road less than a mile and turn left onto a singletrack trail. This is the starting point of the Strawberry Peak Trail. It is a slow climb up and around Mt Lawlor. There is little shade, and watch out for rattlesnakes!

Once the trail rounds Mt Lawlor, Strawberry Peak comes into view. The trail reaches a saddle between Mt. Lawlor and Strawberry Peak. This route takes the left fork onto an unofficial but well used path to the summit. The last 0.8 miles is where you'll really climb with just a little scrambling. The scrambling is easy and nothing like the Class 3 scramble on the other side of Strawberry Peak. The views are great the entire run but once at the top, you'll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the San Gabriels and with the satisfaction of just having climbed the tallest peak in the front range!

Oaks, bigcone spruce and a few Coulter and Jeffrey Pines near the summit.