Strawberry Sunday

Hike to Strawberry Peak Lookout Near Lake Arrowhead

Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead is deliciously reminiscent of its namesake fruit—short and sweet—but it also provides a juicy workout. The starting point is marked by stone gates and a sign. Head through the gates, ignoring a trail on the left, and continue straight.

Shortly, pass a stone inscribed with the Serrano Native American word for welcome: HAMIINAT.

Here, the trail winds around the mountain under towering Jeffrey pines and sycamores. After about a half-mile, look for a marked spur trail that leads to a vista, if you are so inclined before your true incline begins. The fire lookout, situated at 6,135 feet, is run by volunteers from the Southern California Mountains Foundation.

You get an incredible view over San Bernardino that stretches to Catalina Island on clear days. Survey other peaks as well, like the not-too-distant summits of Baldy and Cucamonga to the west.

Hike to Strawberry Peak Lookout

While the current tower has been operational since its 1934 construction, the original (1922) used to stand atop a giant tree and was made from railings donated by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway—check out the replica in the lookout before heading back and completing your lollipop loop.

To get to the Strawberry Peak trailhead, take the 210 Freeway to San Bernardino to the CA-18. Head north on the CA-18 for 14 miles into the mountains, turning left onto Lake Gregory Dr., followed by an immediate right onto the CA-189. After 0.7 mile, the trailhead will be on your right. Park on the street across from the trailhead entrance on the CA-189, just north of the intersection with Pine Crest Rd. Strawberry Peak tower is open to visitors Memorial Day to December, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is often open a few weeks earlier, and stays open for the remaining fire season, if volunteers are available. {JUNE 2020 COVID-19 UPDATE: The inside of the tower is currently closed to visitors.}

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View