Hiking Trail Guide: Big Tujunga to Colby Canyon

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Big Tujunga to Colby Canyon

Distance
8 miles

Elevation
3000 feet gain

Difficulty
6/10

City
Tujunga ,CA (91042) 19.41 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From the 210 Freeway in Pasadena head north onto the Angeles Crest Highway. With two cars leave one at the unpaved turnout of the Colby Canyon trailhead on the north side of Angeles Crest Highway 0.7 mile east of Clear Creek Station . Take the other car 1.2 miles east from Angeles Forest Highway on Upper Big Tujunga Road, turn right on the road with a sign Colby Camp and descend to a large unpaved lot along Big Tujunga creek just past the bridge. The trailhead is located on the south side of the lot.

Description

This hike has all the makings of a wilderness adventure including dramatic views from high mountain ridges, passages through lush forests, sparkling waterfalls and a optional side trip up to the summit of Strawberry Peak.

The trail begins along Big Tujunga Canyon creek and ascends up into a dense pine forest with breathtaking views of the San Gabriel high country to the north before heading southeast towards the highlight of the trip at Strawberry Potrero. Here you can rest at a picnic table while enjoying the view of Strawberry Peak's sheer north face and giant talus field.The trail continues up to a hub near Josephine Saddle at the Colby Trail junction. Here there is an option of taking a sidetrip. To the left is a well-worn climber's route leading to the summit of Strawberry Peak.The final ascent is a steep scramble over large boulders. The Colby Canyon trail descends to a wooded creek and past a tall waterfall before taking you back to your car

Map / Directions: