Strawberry Peak and Meadows via Colby Canyon in Angeles National Forest, CA

Hike Strawberry Peak and Meadows via Colby Canyon Angeles National Forest, CA

Class 3 11.1 miles 2700 gain 4-6 hrs Loop Oct 26, 2015
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Strawberry Peak and Meadows via Colby Canyon GPX Track

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A well-maintained trail leads up to Strawberry Saddle, where you'll see a big concrete spool-looking thing on your left. From Strawberry Saddle, continue on the trail that goes right, not the one toward Josephine Peak on the left. Keep super alert for a about 20 feet after leaving the saddle along the maintained trail so you don't miss a use trail that shoots off to the right (away from the well-traveled trail). This use trail is absurdly steep on sandy terrain for a long time and follows the ridgeline up toward Strawberry Peak. Just before Strawberry Peak is a fun Class 2/3 scramble. After the summit, continue along the more obvious trail to complete the loop through Strawberry Meadows before heading back down from Strawberry Saddle.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Strawberry Peak
6164 ft
1604 rise

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Image 1 from gallery
Within Colby Canyon, starting the Strawberry Peak hike
Within Colby Canyon, starting the Strawberry Peak hike
The trail takes you out of Colby Canyon and into the desert sun.
The trail takes you out of Colby Canyon and into the desert sun.
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Looking back toward Colby Canyon along the trail to the summit.
Looking back toward Colby Canyon along the trail to the summit.
Heading up to Strawberry Saddle. First mini-scramble (far left) and Strawberry Peak (far right)
Heading up to Strawberry Saddle. First mini-scramble (far left) and Strawberry Peak (far right)
The turnoff for the steep scramble route to Strawberry Peak is unmarked (left), but can be found a few feet after getting to Strawberry Saddle, and passing the spool-like concrete water tank (right behind tree).
The turnoff for the steep scramble route to Strawberry Peak is unmarked (left), but can be found a few feet after getting to Strawberry Saddle, and passing the spool-like concrete water tank (right behind tree).
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Looking toward Strawberry Peak (right), and the first mini-scramble (left)
Looking toward Strawberry Peak (right), and the first mini-scramble (left)
The first mini-scramble coming up
The first mini-scramble coming up
Looking back before the first mini-scramble.
Looking back before the first mini-scramble.
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A nice little Class 3, with Strawberry Peak in the background.
A nice little Class 3, with Strawberry Peak in the background.
Working along the ridge to Strawberry Peak.
Working along the ridge to Strawberry Peak.
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Image 16 from gallery
Strawberry Peak, only a scramble away!
Strawberry Peak, only a scramble away!
Image 18 from gallery
The most difficult part (Class 3) of the scramble to the summit. you can likely bypass it, but where is the fun in that?
The most difficult part (Class 3) of the scramble to the summit. you can likely bypass it, but where is the fun in that?
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Strawberry Peak summit, looking east.
Strawberry Peak summit, looking east.
Strawberry Peak summit, looking back the way I came (Josephine Peak at the end of the ridge).
Strawberry Peak summit, looking back the way I came (Josephine Peak at the end of the ridge).
Descending the other side of Strawberry Peak. This is a view of Strawberry Peak from the east.
Descending the other side of Strawberry Peak. This is a view of Strawberry Peak from the east.
Continuing along the official Strawberry Peak Trail.
Continuing along the official Strawberry Peak Trail.
Strawberry Meadows along the Colby Canyon Trial.
Strawberry Meadows along the Colby Canyon Trial.
Image 26 from gallery
Strawberry Meadows.
Strawberry Meadows.
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Image 30 from gallery
Josephine Saddle ahead (the notch), completing the loop.
Josephine Saddle ahead (the notch), completing the loop.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!