This is a pretty simple hike and for the most part it is a gentle grade, especially compared to last weeks hike to Baldy. The climb begins at the saddle between Strawberry and Lawlor. That's where the upward on onward comes in. I will have to say that the condition of the trail was really nice. It was not as loose as other trails I've been on which is a benefit for when you have to come back down. The trail does keep to the ridge, which means it takes you to a high point then down to a saddle and back up to the next high point. This happens all the way up, think of a roller coaster. Just take it for what it is and enjoy the views, except for Strawberry which you will not see until you're almost there.

On the way back you get to experience the coaster going down. This is where I finally met some fellow hikers near the saddle between Lawlor and Strawberry. Got back to the car in under 5 hours but then I also spent near an hour on top of Strawberry. The views were great of the LA basin, from Santa Monica to Palos Verdes to downtown LA.

I kept taking a look at Lawlor and the trail that led up from the saddle to it but it did not seem as defined. The fire break that leads to Lawlor looked very steep and loose. There is another trail that splits off earlier from the trailhead but adds a lot more mileage to get to the top of Lawlor, maybe another day.