Colby Canyon Trailhead

Amazing hike. Just, make sure you get a day pass before you randomly park your car and go hiking for hours. You can get a day pass for $5 at the Shell Gas Station at the intersection of Hwy2 and Hwy210, Incase the Creek Info Center is closed. Might as well get one so you don’t have to drive all the way back down.

First, some warnings. For me, Rattlesnake sightings were common when I hiked this trail. Just watch for them. I sometimes had difficulty getting them to move. Also, near the beginning of the trail there is one section were the path is thin with a large cliff on one side. It is safe if you are careful but can be dangerous. Finally, the last section of the trail requires some rock climbing that is not normally required for hiking trails. The rock climbing can be safe but please do not bring a single person on the hike without warning them at least. If you bring a dog then be sure to have enough water for each one, I have seen people carrying a dog that was in distress.

It has been at least a quarter century since I hiked this trail but I assume the important features are the same. The trail begins alongside a stream or stream bed. Eventually we get to some switchbacks. At the bottom of the switchbacks is a clearing with the stream going through it and enough shade to make it a nice place for a rest. Then the switchbacks are steep going up to Strawberry Saddle. At Strawberry Saddle is a water tower that has a roof extending from the top, providing plenty of shade. From there be sure to take the ridge up; there is another path that remains level that goes all the way to the other side of the mountain without going up. The path up the ridge might not be so obvious but you will find it if you expect it. Along the path you will find a rocky portion that you probably will need to use your hands to navigate but that portion is safe. My suggestion is to bear left on the way up. I was able to get up without using my hands but you probably will need to learn your way through to do that.

The trail will go down a bit before getting to the final portion, the rock climbing. Please take your time and be careful climbing the rocks.

Oh, there is one more thing I remember. When on top you might here something whizzing by very fast, too fast to be seen. I asked people what it might be and some people say it is bullets from a nearby shooting range. That is a total guess and I really doubt it is true. I think it is birds (Swallows?) diving for insects.

This is one of the best hikes in the San Gabriel's and a must do. The climb is not difficult and some fun class 3 rock climbing. Make sure to take extra care on descent since most accident happen while descending. Follow the Colby Canyon trail all the way to a water tower that is on the Strawberry Saddle. You will begin the ascending part of the hike here and follow the ridge up. Follow the use trail and you will get to the class 3 scramble in around .75 miles from saddle. There will be one sketchy section before the main climb. Once you get to the base of the peak you will know that you are crazy. Make sure to try to follow the faded green /black arrows painted on the rock face to the top.

Hike Length: 6 Miles Round Trip
Elevation Gain/Loss : 2600 feet
Hike Type : Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate / Strenuous
Seasons: Year Round
Kid Friendly : No
Dog Friendly : No
Parking: Adventure Pass

This is a beautiful place to have a nice picnic with the family and friends. Don't bring your dogs here, but do bring your bikes. this is a lovely place out in the Los Angeles National Forest. I highly recommend seeing this place as it is amazing and fantastic. Don't hesitate to bring a nice truck with you too, lots of rough terrain to go through hehe.

Park in the dirt turnout off Angeles Crest. The trailhead doesn't have any signs. Don't forget to display your Adventure Pass.