Strawberry + Josephine Loop

This trip is a 20-mile loop that circumnavigates Strawberry Peak and climbs to the tops of both Strawberry Peak (6164’) and Josephine Peak (5,558’). It starts at the Red Box Picnic Area off Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) in Angeles National Forest northeast of La Canada Flintridge, California. This moderately challenging route combines singletrack trails with dirt roads, providing panoramic views of the San Gabriel front range and Upper Big Tujunga. This trail takes you along steep cliff sides, across a meadow, and through oak woodlands. The trail is open and accessible year-round, and is popular with runners, hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers.

MILES AND DESCRIPTIONS

0.00 -  Red Box Picnic Area / Starting and ending point. May have water. 

2.40 -  Lawlor Saddle / junction for the trail to Strawberry Peak (out-and-back is approximately two miles). 

6.19 -  Trail junction, turn left and take the Colby Canyon Trail. 

9.19 -  Josephine Saddle

9.79 -  Junction for the out-and-back to Josephine Peak (out-and-back is approximately three miles). 

11.2 -  Josephine Peak

13.0 -  Josephine Peak Junction / Josephine Fire Road

15.1 -  Clear Creek Ranger Station / Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2)

15.2 -  Nature’s Canteen Trail

15.7 -  Switzer Truck Trail

16.0 -  Gabrielino Trail

WATER

Water is usually available at the Clear Creek Ranger Station and the Red Box Ranger Station (contact the ranger stations in advance for updated information regarding water and amenities). Water may be flowing along the Gabrielino Trail, but that is not reliable and all water found in the backcountry must be treated before consumption. 

SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS

During the winter, Strawberry Peak can get snow, while in the summer, the exposed sections can be extremely hot.

ALTERNATES

Leaving out the two out-and-back summits would reduce the overall mileage and elevation gain. By omitting Strawberry Peak and Josephine Peak, you save about 2 and 3 miles respectively.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Red Box Picnic Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41980. 

Clear Creek Information Station: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41846. 

Strawberry Peak: https://www.summitpost.org/strawberry-peak/151749. 

Josephine Peak: https://www.summitpost.org/josephine-peak/155186.