Strawberry Peak via Colby Canyon is a 6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Hidden Springs, California that features a river and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, and rock climbing and is best used from February until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
dog friendly
hiking
rock climbing
trail running
river
views
wild flowers
rocky
scramble
This trail starts in a dirt pull off on the left side shortly after the Switzer Falls pull off. Be sure to have your Angeles Crest Adventure Pass before you start out. The trail starts in a stream bed and a quarter of a mile in its uphill pretty much the rest of the way. Just before you get Strawberry Saddle theres some steep switchbacks.
If you are going to go back down the boulder hopping route, from the top careful and go slow as it is easily to make a wrong turn and end up on the edge of a cliff and a very steep drop. It is easy to get confused when approaching and descending from the top of the peak.
This is a great hike and some fun bouldering stuff to do along the way. Watch out for a sharp left at the actual Colby Canyon...I had a really fun misadventure all the way up that canyon where it becomes really steep and slippery/fragmented.
Gorgeous views all throughout and stunning from the top. Highly recommend!
Colby canyon is an excellent and quite enjoyable hike up to the spur. Then, things take a 180. Be sure to follow the ridge line UP to the east as opposed to following the strawberry spur trail that meanders to the N/NE.
If you enjoy navigating and boulder hopping, you’ll find this section quiet enjoyable. The trail is over grown at times until the class 3 face of strawberry’s West face. Gives a good sense that you’re out there, away from the crowds, getting a good taste of the wild San Gabriel Mountains.
The last class 3 climb to the summit was very fun but I regret one thing: bringing my 2 year old Australian cattle dog. He snagged a nail on one of the rocks on the way up. I would NOT recommend any dogs at this point unless you intend to carry him.
Made our way down with an obligatory facial dunk (and paw soak) in the multiple creek crossings towards the end of the trail. Another great day in the San Gabe’s.
Very beautiful views the whole way and a fun scramble right at the end, worth the effort!
Tough as hell. Lots of rock climbing, but so worth it once at the top.
I think we accidentally ended up on the "mountaineers route" that Carola mentions below--but it seemed like the only route up. The last .25-.5 miles is a steep but fun scramble. Nothing too dangerous, but not for those afraid of heights. Bring bugspray, the bugs were a nuisance.
My GPS put this at closer to 7miles and 3000ft.
Beautiful, but strenuous trail with some scrambling on the mountaineers route. Changing landscape around every corner. You will be surrounded by the high desert and when turning to the shadow site, you will find yourself in a beautiful meadow followed with huge pine trees. Worth every effort!