The first thing I learned about the Strawberry Peak hike is that apparently you are NOT supposed to leave motivational messages on strawberries at the peak, like some do with potatoes at Potato Mountain. So, that was a bit embarrassing. (I am just kidding – I did not do that!)

What I did do was start from the Red Box Picnic Area at about 6:30 a.m. Although it was a Saturday morning, I did not see as many hikers as I had expected. I did pass a large group about a mile or so in and, obviously, more hikers as I returned to the trailhead.

A couple observations I have about this hike:

1. I found the climbs on this hike to be a bit more strenuous than Sitton Peak, which I completed last week. But that is also because there were longer stretches of climbing. (And I also know that the hikes increase in difficulty with this challenge). The views at the top are worth it!

2. I found trekking poles really helped me on the climbs, although there were times when I had to just hold my poles, put my hands on rocks, and propel myself up (you'll know this section when you come to it!). After you do your first big climb, there is a somewhat steep downhill section. The poles also helped me there.

3. I would definitely recommend long pants as you will brush up against some sharp plants while going up some of the false peaks.

4. THE LIZARDS WILL LEAD THE WAY! As the Hiking Guy said in his post about Strawberry Peak, you will see lots o' lizards on this hike.

Next hike: Santiago? (Not sure about how easy parking is at the suggested trailheads for – don't laugh – minivans?). Or I may just wait until the snow melts and do Ontario Peak as my next “Six Pack of Peaks” hike.