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San Mateo Canyon Wilderness

Best Hiking Trails in San Mateo Canyon Wilderness

65 reviews


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Overview

San Mateo Canyon Wilderness is a protected area in California.


  • Hiking Trails (10)
  • Reviews (65)
  1. 1
    Upper San Juan Campground Loop via Bear Canyon Trail and North Tenaja Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 18.9 mi
  2. 2
    San Mateo Peak Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 6.8 mi
  3. 3
    Tenaja Truck Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 1.5 mi
  4. 4
    Fisherman's Camp via Tenaja Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 12.5 mi
  5. 5
    San Mateo Peak Loop via Morgan Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 14.6 mi
  6. 6
    Fisherman's Camp via Tenaja Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.5 mi
  7. 7
    Fisherman's Camp via Tenaja Truck Trail and Tenaja Trail
    ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 9.7 mi
  8. 8
    Fisherman's Camp Loop via Tenaja Trail and South Main Divide Road
    ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 8.0 mi
  9. 9
    Tenaja Falls
    ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 7.6 mi
  10. 10
    Tenaja Falls
    ★ ★ EASY 2.8 mi
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    Marc Revetta 3 months, 1 week ago
    Friday Afternoon Activity
    Got to parking lot late 5:00Pm, ran half the trail with overnight pack to beat the sunset. Hiked the last half with headlamp to Fisherman’s Camp. Set up camp in the dark, solo, no other campers on a Friday night, kinda scary. Hiked to Tenaja Falls Saturday morning and back to the car at Tenaja Trailhead. There is no signage or markers at Fisherman’s Camp to Tenaja falls. Down load trail map, no reception. Cross the creek to find the trail to Falls. Trail and temperature were great. Bring plenty of water. It’s a long hike. Thank God there was a creek, I filtered water. There’s another parking and shorter hike to falls, rangers should post a sign at Tenaja Trailhead, many frustrated, tired, unaware hikers.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    BraveFlask2696 2 years, 1 month ago
    Track (4/7/24, 5:13:49PM)
    This is a good trail for those who are into adventure riding. Very easy to make, the scenery is amazing. You can find a couple of campsites and it’s close to urban areas. It’s a must for first time adventurers,
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    CrispSky8200 3 years, 11 months ago
    Sitton Peak
    I started at 9am; this was a great hike, did it by myself, very easy to follow all the way to the top. The last .36 miles was a bit hard but not nice you get to the top the view is amazing. So quiet, peaceful and beautiful…one note cover your mouth for certain areas there’s lots of mosquitos, I almost swallowed one 😬..great hike very few people
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SimpleTent1733 4 years, 3 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Cyn Trail
    Hike is a good length, but the incline isn’t very challenging until the last 3/4 mile. If you’re looking to get out in nature, this is a good option. If you’re looking for a booty workout, not so much.
    ★ ★

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    MildSwamp6602 5 years, 6 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    Bby XX XX red n OK ewww seedeeseeseeeedddd eees
    ★ ★ ★

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    w98H6qKp 5 years, 11 months ago
    Sitton Peak
    There were a lot of bugs during this walk even after I used the spray. Shade did not last, most of the day we were exposed. There were nice views at the top. Summit register was missing although I found a log register about 20 feet away under a bush exposed, no container. I put it in a baggie and put it under the summit sign. I hope someone brings a replacement container and log on a future trip.
    ★ ★ ★

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    Lisa Ouillette 6 years, 1 month ago
    Sitton Peak (3/3/20, 8:26:12AM)
    Great trail and pretty! Last .9 was quite an incline to summit but I didn’t think it was too bad. Great views of the ocean and Catalina at the summit. People mentioned bugs. There were bugs but not bad. March 3,2020. The trailhead is across the street from parking. Same side as candy shop where you can also buy an adventure pass if you need one. As well as a sandwich when you come back down (Candy shop also makes sandwiches).
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SweetCaving4289 6 years, 4 months ago
    Track (1/19/20, 8:07:47AM)
    Nice hike. Last mile tough up hill rutted our trailer. Great views. Would not do in summer.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cUwxjx 6 years, 4 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    With some of the higher Santa Ana peaks closed due to the recent fires Sitton Peak is a decent alternative. I have hiked this trail in the hot and cooler months and I recommend doing this hike during the fall or winter months. Not only can it be hot but the bugs can be an annoyance during the warmer time of year. The hike is pretty covered until you get to 4 corners. From there the trail is more exposed for the remaining 2 miles to the peak. However, you will be gifted with some great views of the southern part of the Santa Ana mountain range as well as the San Gregorio mountain range which if snow peaked make the views even more memorable. The last quarter of a mile is a scramble but the final view at the peak is well worth it. A bit of back history, a helicopter crash landed on the face of Sitton Peak and if you look closely enough you will still find remnants of the helicopter. If you are in modest shape this hike will be challenging at points but definitely doable. However if you do it on a hot day the hike becomes much harder. All in all the hike is a nice day hike and if your goals are set to do peaks like Baldy or Whitney this hike can help you determine your current physical and mental stamina as it has decent mileage and elevation gain to help you attain your ultimate goal.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    MajorBeach2239 6 years, 11 months ago
    Sitton Peak
    Thick Santa Ana mountain vegeration. Last mile to the peak is quite steep. Recommend hiking poles.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ChillySquall3252 2 weeks, 4 days ago
    Zayn & Indy Round pen 20 minutes
    ★ ★

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    TrueField4188 6 months, 3 weeks ago
    Tuesday Lunch Backpacking
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    FizzyLamp8114 11 months, 1 week ago
    Fisherman's Camp Loop via Tenaja Trail and South Main Divide Road
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    emc661 1 year, 3 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★

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    SilentHat8843 2 years, 6 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★

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    StillMoss9699 2 years, 11 months ago
    Track (12/24/22, 10:23:05AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ToughRedwood2572 2 years, 11 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★ ★

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    FreeHarness2983 3 years, 2 months ago
    Sitton Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    OldWetland7825 3 years, 3 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★

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    Anastasia Dascalos 3 years, 5 months ago
    Track (11/19/22, 10:39:13AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Bill Payne 3 years, 5 months ago
    Boy Scout Peak (11/19/22, 9:41:18AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    RusticCoast9293 3 years, 7 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    symphonydecks 3 years, 11 months ago
    Track (4/15/22, 12:26:35PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SoftCypress8144 4 years ago
    Track (2/3/22, 9:15:08AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Paul Okada 4 years, 1 month ago
    Tenaja to Beach Camp
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    James Warren 4 years, 2 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★ ★

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    symphonydecks 4 years, 2 months ago
    Track (3/2/22, 11:20:01AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    CrispTimber3744 4 years, 2 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★

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    BraveMoon5554 4 years, 5 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★

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    SlickKnoll8647 4 years, 6 months ago
    Track (10/30/21, 05:55:49)
    ★

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    FullPath7252 4 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/9/21, 7:13:15AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SweetGale4133 4 years, 11 months ago
    Sitton Peak
    ★ ★ ★

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    RunnerFirst 4 years, 11 months ago
    Sitton Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ToughSail7279 5 years ago
    Ortega Highway to Ortega Oaks
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    gwparsons 5 years, 2 months ago
    Sitton Peak 3/6/2021
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    4cHUnneA 5 years, 2 months ago
    Track (2/21/21, 7:22:22AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Diana Dee Steez Castillo 5 years, 3 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    BarefootBassist 5 years, 3 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SnappyBoulder9286 5 years, 3 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ClearXC-Ski5064 5 years, 3 months ago
    Fisherman’s Camp Backpacking Trip One way
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ClearXC-Ski5064 5 years, 3 months ago
    Tracks and yt
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ChillyStar6087 5 years, 3 months ago
    Sitton Peak (1/17/21, 9:46:06AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    KindTorch4217 5 years, 3 months ago
    Sitton Peak
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    EasyRiver6886 5 years, 4 months ago
    Taneja Trail to Fisherman’s Camp
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Michelle Vaakil 5 years, 4 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★

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    TinyLedge2793 5 years, 5 months ago
    Track (11/22/20, 08:47:32)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    WarmEGels7827 5 years, 6 months ago
    Sitton Peak Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Mike Smith 5 years, 7 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    EarlyCaving2603 5 years, 9 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    CrispRaft5269 5 years, 9 months ago
    Track (7/25/20, 8:25:32AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ladmalek 5 years, 9 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★

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    BoldSail2307 5 years, 11 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★

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    ssumitani 5 years, 11 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SlowCove1177 5 years, 11 months ago
    Track (5/31/20, 9:10:46AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    GrandGrove1026 6 years, 1 month ago
    Sitton Peak 2/29/20
    ★ ★ ★

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    Gordon Alexander 6 years, 1 month ago
    Sitton (3/21/20)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Steve 6 years, 2 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ShortYogaMat7789 6 years, 2 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    EarlyLowland9075 6 years, 2 months ago
    Sitton Peak Trail from Ortega Hwy
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    April Armijo 6 years, 2 months ago
    Track (2/23/20, 8:46:06AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    DJBoyle68 6 years, 4 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★ ★

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    WildThicket2160 6 years, 5 months ago
    Fisherman's Camp via Tenaja Trail
    ★

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    GroovyIvy1883 6 years, 5 months ago
    Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Trail
    ★ ★

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    Juergenwoehl 6 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/13/19, 08:13:19)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    CleverWild5485 6 years, 10 months ago
    San Juan Loop Trail to Sitton Peak Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★