"XC across the desert floor - the HPS route isn't any better than just following the terrain. Dry waterfall in lower part of gully requires bypass on the left. The upper gully and the upper ridge were full of wildflowers (and charred trees) following the Nixon fire in 2024. Unfortunately, there is the start of some stretches of substantial poodledog bush on the ridge. It's fully avoidable today, but looks like it's growing in and may make this route trickier in the future. Great 360 views from the summit." — edg • May 13, 2026

"Hiked the short fire break up to the peak and gained 1,388 feet in 1.5 miles and took the long way back down which totaled at 5.7 miles RT Elevation gained 1,388 feet Distance 5.7 miles " — Socalhiker12 • Apr 25, 2026

"Kicking off the fourth chapter with a one of a kind unique route. Started below from Josephine Gap and made it to the peak. Ran back down approaching to Daniel's. Wrapped around Strawberry by Colby Canyon Trail. Well shaded and got a nice back view of Strawberry reminding me of when I walked past Corte Madera coming from the left side. Enjoyed a nice break at the Strawberry Junction before the real deal starts. Made my way to Lawlor Saddle where the 4 points meet, I'm going to all of them. Lawlor was more of an extra credit flex peak that put me in preparation for Strawberry. With Lawlor down, I slowed even more going up Strawberry. Almost the same as Smith Mountain with nasty rock steps but the more popular of the 2. All 4 peaks down, rushed back to Red Box Gap, going on the Gabrielino Trail for a brief moment, making 2 rights before the u turn with the running creek bridge back on the road enjoying the breeze." — ChristianFlowerstheczywildhikr • Apr 18, 2026

"Got to the parking lots by Manker just before 6am, and it was already fairly busy. The trail had bits of hard snow/ice but it wasn't a risk today. It got really windy at the top, but overall it was really pleasant weather. It was about a 5-5.5 hour round trip. I took the bowl trail." — oskar156 • Mar 28, 2026

"I am 22. The moment it hit 4:39 a.m, when I was exactly born, I started the hike. It was pitch black on the way up to Bedford from Maple Springs, but daylight savings happened so it would be light earlier than before. As I got to Bedford, the sun hasn't risen yet, looking down towards the Inland Empire, as well the other ranges. But my eyes were leered on Santiago, My biggest target I've been waiting for. After increasing the elevation little by little, going all over SoCal, my determination rose. Leaving Bedford behind, made a small side trip to Bald, as I looked at Santiago again. Off to the queen of the Santa Anas Modjeska, it was firmly shaded with all the burnt trees possibly from the airport fire. I saw The Sinks from down below which is part of Oc Parks, my training grounds for my quest to hike. I took the rocky side up to Modjeska on the right with the split path. Haven summited Modjeska, it was time, heading down to the small trail coming across an eroded part from the fire, making it back to the road, then on the single track trail. The final climb before my target, back on the road I put on some music for the final push. It ran through the full finale as it ended, I cele..." — ChristianFlowerstheczywildhikr • Nov 2, 2025