Strawberry Mountain 6813, AZ

Park just outside the Forest Service gate at the end of Ernies Rd in Strawberry AZ. Walkthrough the gate closing it behind you. Follow the small road for several yards looking to the left for a trail heading up peak 6631. Follow This "trail" as long as you can as it quickly disappears near a fence/property line. Follow this fence up switchbacking where necessary as the way up becomes very steep. As the grade continues to become steeper the fence ends. At this point look for the path of least resistance to gain the ridge. This is the hardest part of the hike and where you gain the majority of your elevation.


After gaining this first ridge, it is a good idea to mark the spot with a cairn to mark your way down. Once placing a Cairn continue in a south-eastern direction looking for the high ground and top of peak 6631. This section is mostly flat, but it is not hard to see where the high point of this peak is. Once reaching the top directly to your left is the first taste of the amazing views on this hike. A sheer drop and great views of the Mogollon Rim greet you on top of peak 6631. After taking a moment here, I would recommend laying another cairn, continue south towards Strawberry Mountain/peak 6813.You will quickly come to a valley between Strawberry Mountain and peak 6631. Continue down into this valley and then up onto strawberry mountain following again the path of least resistance. Once again after gaining your second ridge the hike flattens out. Continue searching again for the high ground on strawberry mountain. After you run out of high ground, you've made it to the top of Peak 6813/ Strawberry Mountain. From here go east to the Overlook and take in again great views of the Mogollon Rim and the town of Pine. This time you are about 200ft above peak 6631 which offers better views of the surrounding area. Head back the way you came.

2014-03-25 SonoranBound