Me and my buddy Ed hiked Strawberry Peak from Red Box. We hadn't been up that way in quite some time but we had both hiked Strawberry in the past. We decided it would be our forray into the 2025 6 pack challenge as our first peak of the year.

We started the hike up above the clouds, which was absolutely gorgeous. It was overcast down in the valley, but it turned out to be a nice clear day up above the clouds as we ascended to the peak. The first two and a half miles out to Lawlor Saddle was nice and straightforward. The climb is gradual and we were shaded by the ridge in the early morning.

Past the saddle, the last mile under the summit, was pretty brutal. The climb is steep and there are lots of big steps that made progress slow. But boy, was it worth it. At the peak, we were treated to panoramic views of Mt Baldy and the front range of the San Gabriels. Looking to the south, there was a blanket of clouds that obscured LA and reached out to the horizon. We couldn't have asked for a better view. I broke out my backpacking stove and made myself some hot chocolate to help take in the sights. We met and chatted with some folks who were also at the summit when we arrived, otherwise it was a pretty quiet hike.

Coming back down was slow at first (take your time getting back to the saddle, it's steep and rocky!), but past the saddle we were making good time. That is when we were treated to the best part of the day by far. The wind picked up and we looked out pas Mt Wilson to see the clouds pouring over the ridgeline like the steam rolling out of a witch's brew. We stopped and watched it slowly creep its way up the hillside towards us and eventually over us. Thus, we were enveloped by the clouds down below us that we had seen all day up until that point. It was a really fun and timely experience.

The climb to the summit kicked our butts for sure, but the rest of the hike went off without a hitch. The sights were amazing. Excellent and challenging hike, and what a way to kick off the challenge.