Hike Bear Canyon Trail to Sitton Peak

A MUST hike for any orange country resident! The hike starts of off Ortega HWY 74 at the Bear Canyon Trail head on the same side of the road as the Ortega oaks candy store. Its recommended you park in the lot across the street from the trail head (tip:there is a working water spicket in the parking lot). The 6.4 mile loop/ out and back has a great mix of tree coverage and open trail. About 2.5 miles in you will come to a junction with Morgan Trail, which the sign says you could take 4.3 miles to the South Main Divide Road. Stay right, headed toward Four Corners (2.1 miles), where you hit the second part of the loop. Upon arrival, it proves to be a very good place to camp or break for lunch as it provides flat-open area. Here there are five trail options clearly marked. Take the Sitton peak trail head to finish the hike. Here you will get incredible views and on a clear day should even be able to see the Pacific. After moving past the four corners location their are plenty of opportunities to go off path to other nearby peaks but do this at your own discretion. In my experience I ventured up a peak to the right of the trail that was about .7 miles from the Sitton Peak and it was truly incredible.

Tips:

• Hiking this peak on a clear day yields the greatest views
• Hike-able all year, but not recommended in the summer due to the heat
• Depending on the season bug spray is important to rid mosquitos
• Constantly be looking for trail head markers
• The peak is an amazing place to catch the sunset, just bring a flashlight if you plan the manageable hike down
• Don't be afraid to shy off trail as you approach the peak (but be careful!)
• This is the 6.4 mile loop hike. If you are looking for the 10 mile out-and-back hike, head to this adventure. 

Happy Adventuring!!