This was back in early spring and the high temp was already in the mid-80s. So for this hike my #1 suggestion would be to bring plenty of water and #2 would be to start early. There is no escaping the sun because most of the trail has no shade at all.

I counted only two markers on this trail — first at the trailhead next to Highway 2 across the Red Box Picnic Area and the second at the start of the last 1.2 mile steep ascent to the peak. However, since this is a heavily-trafficked trail, the way is hard to miss. The first mile or so of the trail until the Mount Lawlor saddle is wide and easy to follow with only a few hundred feet of elevation gain. I've seen a few hikers just like us who missed the trail after the saddle as it turns into a single-track path that follows the side of Mount Lawlor. Because there is no marker at this junction, hikers often turn left along the saddle before realizing that the right trail is behind them. From the saddle the single-track trail goes around the side of Mount Lawlor for about two miles before it turns into the steep final 1.2-mile ascent to the peak. The elevation gain along this last mile or so is about 1100 feet with the slope in some sections reaching 45 degrees. This is the most strenuous section of the trail and the loose gravel and small boulders that you need to scramble over don't make it any easier. Then there are maybe three false peaks that you'll go through first before you finally reach the real Strawberry Peak. But the spectacular 360-degree views from the top make this not-so-easy hike all worthwhile. On a clear day you can see downtown Glendale, the LA basin with the prominent LA downtown skyline, Long Beach harbor and as far as Catalina Island to the west. And, the San Gabriel Mountains to the east serve as a perfect backdrop to the great views below. I would have given this trail five stars if not for the small rocks and loose gravel that make most of the track so uneven and hard on your feet. So it goes without saying that for this trail you need hiking shoes with hard soles and trekking poles to handle both the steep ascents and descents. Happy trails!