I remember this hike being quite difficult in the steep final mile last year – I'm really happy that this year, I found it much easier! Unfortunately, work prevented me from finishing last year's SoCal challenge, but this hike has made me more optimistic that I can take on all of the SoCal mountains. I loved Strawberry Peak last year and it continued to deliver this year. Like Sitton, I could return to this hike again and again. That ridgeline is such a beautiful cruise and I could spend all day there. The teeny bit of snow always makes me happy as well. Coming from frequent hiking in the Smoky Mountains, New York, and Wisconsin, the sound of running water from the snowmelt is music to my ears.