Strawberry Peak via Red Box 2024 – Solo Hike

October 21, 2024

First time hiking Strawberry Peak. With the Line fire still active, I scrapped my plans of hiking Gorgonio this year. The trails had technically just reopened but thought best to avoid the area as there was still quite a bit of smoke, some road closures and firefighters still working on the fire. So I figured I'd try Strawberry Peak instead. It is a long drive from San Diego for such a short hike so I had never really considered it before.

I arrived at the Red Box picnic area when it was still dark. Several other cars pulled in just in time to watch the sunrise. It was magnificent! This time of the year everything was wrapped in a deep warm golden sunlight – one of the best sunrises I've ever experienced. I could have stayed there much longer but wanted to be on the trail while the golden hour colors were still happening.

The first 2.5 miles of the hike were easy with hardly any elevation gain until you got to the dip after the Lawlor Saddle. I wasn't expecting the impressive views that the trail afforded. The fall colors were in full display with browns and oranges from the California buckwheat and other native plants bathed in the soft glow of the early sun. Gorgeous vistas. Looking back, you could see the Mt Wilson telescopes in the distance. To the east, there was some smoke wisps still visible from the fires. A plunging view of CA-2 meandering through the valley had its charm too. It was like hiking in a painting.

Most of the elevation gain happened in the last 0.75 miles of the trail (see elevation profile picture). There was some mild scrambling needed towards the end but it wasn't any worse than Sitton Peak. The path to the summit wasn't very well defined during the last few hundred feet but all roads eventually led to Rome. Once at the top, there was a large flat area where you could walk around and see views of a hazy downtown L.A. in the distance.

Strawberry Peak Trail didn't disappoint. I was pleasantly surprised by this hike and very much enjoyed it. It was a perfect, quiet day in the mountains with hardly anyone in sight. I even managed to beat traffic and make it back to San Diego County for a late lunch!

• Distance: ~7.25 miles
• Total Elevation Gain: ~1700ft
• Total Hike Time: 4h (incl. stops for pictures + hang out time at the top for late breakfast)