About This Route
The Strawberry Peak Loop in Angeles National Forest traces 10 miles around the PCT-adjacent Strawberry Peak near La Cañada Flintridge, CA. Begin at Red Box Trailhead on Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2), climbing via Gabrielino Trail then descending Strawberry Motorway. This legal loop skirts the PCT's hiker's only sections, offering ridgeline views of the San Gabriel Mountains. USDA Forest Service permits bikes here; 2,000 feet gain challenges legs amid pine forests and boulders.
Safety Considerations
Rockslides and loose scree common post-rain; inspect trail per IMBA. Summer fire danger high; check inciweb.nwcg.gov. Poodle-dog bush irritant; cover skin. No bikes on PCT proper nearby, per PCTA enforcement. Traffic on Hwy 2 risky for shuttles.
Essential Gear
MIPS helmet (Giro Manifest), padded shorts (Assos), 2L pack (Evoc Trail), chain tool (Park CT-5.3), levers, patch kit. Headlamp for long days, bear spray optional.
Emergency Tips
ul>li>Fire: head downhill fast./li>li>Injury: signal with whistle./li>/ul>
Intermediate flow with tech sections; hydrate relentlessly.