Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
Overview
This is a moderate hike to Sitton Peak from the Ortega Oaks Candy Store trailhead.
This trail goes by Pigeon Spring and San Juan Loop and Bear Canyon Trailheads. The trail starts just downhill from the Candy Store and hikes over the ridge and down into Bear Canyon. A small fork in the trail offers up the Morgan Trail to you, but you continue on the right fork and hike another mile before reaching Bear Canyon which has a bigger split. The right fork goes right up Bear Canyon to Sitton, but the left fork climbs up just a bit further and parallels the trough on the ridge treating you to views of the valley and Elsinore Mountains and San Mateo Peak to the south. After about 1 more mile the trail then drops back to rejoin the original trail at Four corners where the Verdugo and Blue Ridge Trails meet the Bear Canyon and Sitton Peak Trail. The peak trail goes off to the north for another mile dropping down to a saddle with an old heavy steel water tank is abandoned. On the left next to the take lies the wreckage of an airplace crash to explore. The peak trail leaves the main trail just beyond the water tank on the right (north). A couple hundred yards of steepish scambling, like all of the Santa Ana Mountains, and you are at the top. Take your pics, enjoy the sun and views, and reverse your route to return, except this time take the flat and descending Bear Valley Trail back to the Candy Store. Ummm, candy.
Standard OC caveats apply: it's hot in summer and the bugs are in force July through August. So hike this in the cooler months.
Getting Started
The parking lot is on the north side of Ortega Hwy at the Ortega Oaks Candy Store which is the focal point for a bunch of fun hikes. The trailhead is across from the parking lot on the downhill side of the Candy Store with good trail sign.
Taking Children
At 9 miles and 1800 feet, this trail is moderately strenuous, and therefore not generally to be recommended for kids.
Sights to See
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