Strawberry Peak from Red Box in Angeles Forest-Los Gringos Locos for food after

STRAWBERRY PEAK - TAKE TWO!!!
This is one of my favorite hikes in the Angeles Forest!!!
YOU'LL JUST LOVE IT!!!!
Remember to set your clocks AHEAD on Saturday!

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Please note that this hike is not super easy. An intermediate hiker, however, will be fine.

MAP FOR RED BOX PICNIC AREA USE THIS!! (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Red+Box/@34.2583819,-118.1051747,21z/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x0:0x14fedb6faa953976?hl=en)

Time - 11:00 a.m. LEAVE AT 11:15 a.m. SHARP!
Distance - 7 miles RT
Elevation gain 1800'
Difficulty - ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE with some easy rock scrambling.

The last 3/4 of a mile is not a maintained trail and is very steep with some rock scrambling over boulders and takes time. (NOT class 3) PLEASE NO BEGINNERS!!! But it's a heck of a lot of fun!

Strawberry Peak is located along the Angeles Crest highway in the Mt. Wilson area. This hike has been closed due due the Station fire for almost 5 years and is now OPEN!! The beginning of the trail has been beautifully restored by the Sierra club. The trail follows a ridge that provides panoramic views of the front range and the Upper Big Tujunga-Alder Creek backcountry.

The beginning of the trail is very easy to follow. When we come to a split about 3/4 mile in we continue North and take the branch on our left. We will be traversing through some hearty yucca, so watch where you step.

We will come to another branch about 2 miles in, (the saddle with Mt. Lawlor) at this point we need to continue north again and take the left branch. The other trail leads to Strawberry Meadows. This is where you gain most of your elevation, and there is some climbing on the ridge. It's rocky and the trail is not maintained like the first part of the trail. It is essential that the people at the front stay within sight of the hike organizer AT ALL TIMES and I may ask you to wait from time to time. Please honor that request.

I can not stress enough that the last 3/4 of a mile are challenging and should NOT be attempted if you have any injury or are inexperienced with a small degree of rock scrambling. Though not class 3 it can be tricky and will require all your attention. I will be making ABSOLUTELY SURE that the group is not spread apart at this point of the hike. THIS MEANS WE WILL WAIT FOR EVERYONE TO CATCH UP BEFORE THE LAST 3/4 MILE!!! PLEASE DO NOT GO AHEAD AT THIS POINT!! We will have snacks at the peak.

Directions to the trailhead: From Foothill Blvd in La Canada drive up the Angeles Crest highway (2) for 15 miles. You will pass the intersection of Angeles Forest Highway at mile 11. Continue STRAIGHT past the small ranger station on your right for another 4 miles. At mile 15 from La Canada You will see the turnoff for Red Box Rd (Mt WIlson Toll Rd) on your right. Turn right here. Turn left immediately into the lot by the picnic tables. We will meet here.
Forest Adventure Pass is required to park in the lot.

MAP FOR RED BOX PICNIC AREA USE THIS!!

We will be going to "Los Gringos Locos" after the hike at 632 Foothill Blvd
La Canada 91011

Map to Los Gringos Locos (https://www.google.com/maps/place/632+Foothill+Blvd,+La+Ca%C3%B1ada+Flintridge,+CA+91011/@34.2007862,-118.1922857,17z/data=%213m1%214b1%214m2%213m1%211s0x80c2c208f0deb17d:0x1f3e429f037da22e)

-BRING PLENTY OF WATER!!!|
-Use proper hiking shoes, lugged soles are helpful.
-POLES ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! Especially for the last 3/4 mile.
-Use plenty of sun block.
-Bring a camera.
-Bring something for a snack at the peak.
-Bring at least one joke.

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