Hike #1613
Red Box to Strawberry Peak/Spring/Portrero
May 21, 2025

Hike Leader:  Rick Martin

Arrive at 8:00 am for start at 8:30 am
Rabbits may start at an earlier time to be determined

Please print your own hike descriptions and maps.

GPS Data:
Option 1:   Red Box to Srawberry Peak = 7.1 miles RT; Elevation change = 1,510 ft.
Option 2:   Red Box to Strawberry Spring = 6.6 miles RT; Elevation change = 1,000 ft.
Option 3:   Red Box to Strawbery Portrero = 9 miles RT; Elevation change = 1,200 ft.

Trailhead Directions:  Meet at Red Box Station at mileage paddle 38.38 on the Angeles Crest Highway (about 14 miles from I-210 at the Mt. Wilson road turn off).  There are restrooms at Red Box.

Features:  Strawberry Peak's 6,164 foot summit beats San Gabriel Peak's 6,161 foot to claim the honor of being the highest peak in the Front Range.  Although its profile appears rounded as seen from most places, its flanks fall away sharply on three sides, leaving only one relatively easy route to the top (our route).

The Hike:  From Red Box we cross the highway and walk east along the left shoulder of Angeles Crest Highway to a fireroad slanting left up the hillside.  We continue up the eroded bed of the road for 0.6 miles to reach a trail on the left. From there the trail switchbacks up to a saddle due south of Mount Lawlor's summit, and from there on uphill to the saddle on the northwest shoulder of Mount Lawlor.  At this point we have climbed almost 600 ft. and hiked approximately 2.3 miles.

Option 1:  Those who want to climb Strawberry peak, take the trail to the left and climb approximately 900 ft. over the steep and rocky 1 mile route to the peak. This is a tough climb, especially in warm weather, and expect several false peaks on the way to the top. Rest for lunch. Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

Option 2:  Those who want to go to Strawberry Springs, take the right trail for approximately 1 mile.  The trail drops down approximately 400 feet from the saddle to the spring. Rest for lunch. Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

Option 3:  Those who want to go to Strawbery Portreo, take the trail to Strawberry Springs, then continue on the same trail, steeply dropping another 200 ft. into a forested gully.  At the low point, turn sharply left on a side trail reaching the lower meadow of the Portrero in about 1/4 mile.  Continue another 1/2 mile past a second small meadow to the largest clearing which is a good place for lunch. Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

BYO refreshments for the picnic tables at Red Box.

Google Earth photo - Combined Strawberry Hikes

2025-04-10