Strawberry Peak via Redbox Canyon is a moderate, dog-friendly, 7.2 mile out-and-back trail with approximately 1,720 feet of climbing.

Strawberry Peak is a popular trail because it is the highest summit in the front rage of the San Gabriel Mountains, offers a ton of great views, and is a good challenge. For some, it is also one to check off the fun SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge. Bonus? It’s dog friendly! With all that in mind, it’s likely you’ll run into other people and dogs on the trail.

Sound like something you want to do?

Be prepared with these essentials

• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (most of the trail is exposed)
• Carry plenty of water, at least 3L per person is recommended. Note: there are no water sources on this trail. If you’re bringing your dog, make sure you bring additional water and a water dish.
• Bring snacks to keep you fueled. We packed a few bananas, power bars, and strawberries (duh!) for the peak. We shared some bananas and strawberries with our dogs, and also packed them some high protein treats.
• Consider bringing a cooling vest for your dog. There is little to no shade on the trail and depending on the time of year, it can get pretty hot on the trail.
• Always pack a First Aid Kit. Don’t have a first aid kit? Our favorite is Kurgo’s Dog First Aid Kit. It’s lightweight and easy to throw in your pack.

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Getting to the trail and parking

We followed the directions on AllTrails. Parking is available with a permit across the street from the trailhead at the Redbox Picnic Area. Our National Park Pass was an acceptable parking permit. Arrive early so you’re not hunting for parking. Once you park you’ll see the trailhead across the highway marked with a brown trail marker that reads “Strawberry Pk.” Cross the highway carefully to start your hike.

Hiking Strawberry Peak

The trail begins parallel to Angeles Crest Highway with a very gradual incline for the first couple of miles. Don’t worry, you won’t have views of the highway or power lines very long. About a mile in you’ll hit the first saddle. You’ll ignore the two wider trails to your left and right. Instead, you’ll continue on straight and take a slight left onto the narrow trail. At the time of writing this there is a small trail marker held up by a few rocks that point you towards the narrow trail to Strawberry Peak.

You’ll spend the next 1-1.5 mile hiking along a ridge with beautiful views of the canyon to the west, before meeting the next saddle at the 2.5 mile mark. This is a good spot to take a quick breather, eat a light snack and drink some water before the tougher part of the hike.

You’ll continue on to the smaller trail that leads up hill. This is where the climbing gets harder and the trail is completely exposed. You’ll work your way through sandy, rocky and narrow paths as you pass three false peaks before your final climb. I recommend using trekking poles in this section if you have them, but they aren’t required. Either way, just make sure to take your time.

You can’t miss Strawberry Peak. There are a number of Strawberry Peak signs available for summit photos. Eat your obligatory summit strawberries, take some selfies, and enjoy the views before heading back down the way you came.

Check out our hike to Strawberry Peak in May 2022:

Happy Hiking!