There were a lot of bugs during this walk even after I used the spray. 2020 Sitton Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: Ortega Highway (candy store) Encountered: Wildflowers blooming, Ripe berries: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition: Great 1st Peak. The Compendium idenitifes the relative energy cost of undertaking various activities compared with doing nothing. In the paring lot across the street from the "Candy Store" Details ***No beginners please. Last mile to the peak is quite steep. Share 0. It… The store also offers free printed maps. The hike was a little longer than usual since we completed the full Bear Canyon Loop. This is a moderate hike to Sitton Peak from the Ortega Oaks Candy Store trailhead. Difficulty: Moderate Total time: 4-5 hours Dogs: Yes Parking: Parking lot across the highway from the trailhead (and across from the candy store!) This trail goes by Pigeon Spring and San Juan Loop and Bear Canyon Trailheads. Register for free. As well as a sandwich when you come back down (Candy shop also makes sandwiches). Located just south of Orange County, this peak quite suprisingly sees a little bit of traffic, especially on cooler days. Raining in spurts as we near the peak. Climbed after a quick hike to the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness Highpoint earlier in the day. However if you do it on a hot day the hike becomes much harder. From there the trail is more exposed for the remaining 2 miles to the peak. Trail was in fine condition, no issues. Sitton Peak is the perfect hike for this purpose as it gains just over 2000 ft for a 10 mile round trip hike. ★ The trail starts just downhill from the Candy Store and hikes over the ridge and down into Bear Canyon. The Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak Trail in the San Mateo Wilderness is one of those. You want to take the bear canyon loop to the 4 corners area (about 3.5 miles in where the Verdugo Trail, the Tenja Trail, Bear Ridge Trail and Bear Canyon Trail meet). https://abhiking.blogspot.com/2008/12/sitton-peak-with-snow.html At 3,273 feet above sea level, Sitton Peak has commanding 360 degree views of the Cleveland National Forest. The trailhead is across the street from parking. A great starter hike with ocean views and a tough final quarter mile. Directions to Trailhead: To hike to the top of Sitton Peak Via the Bear Canyon Loop: Park across the street from the Ortega Oaks Candy Store off of Ortega Hwy (Coming from Orange County take the Ortega Highway going East). Ortega Oaks Candy Store is right next to the trailhead. It’s easy to miss this trailhead, so if the store is open, there’s no shame in asking about the trail location. We hike together as a group. I put it in a baggie and put it under the signs, I hope someone brings a replacement logged in container on a future trip. ★ At that point there is a marker for the trail to Sitton Peak. With the word “Truck” in the name, I expected this trail to be a boring fire road but on the contrary, the trail was not always wide. 34950 Ortega Hwy. Sitton Peak is just over 3,200 feet in elevation and the hike is about 10 miles round trip without doing the full loop. ★. This is a moderate hike to Sitton Peak from the Ortega Oaks Candy Store trailhead. Not registered? I thought it would be much harder from what I read. People mentioned bugs. This trail goes by Pigeon Spring and San Juan Loop and Bear Canyon Trailheads. The peak trail leaves the main trail just beyond the water tank on the right (north). Remember to sign in at the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness register at the trailhead. But, to my surprise it was just a longer hike. Please remember, the estimated number of Calories is just a guide and the actual number of Calories burned may vary depending on other factors such as weather and terrain. However that last push to the summit is kind of a butt-kicker. 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. Ummm, candy. CATEGORISED CLIMBS. Hurray for Ochs Larry, up a very steep and uneven trail (maybe 60 degrees or more) to Sitton Peak, without a hiking stick; going down was more challenging. There is a big parking lot across the street from the store with a clean toilet nearby. Tagged: Sitton Peak. If you are an exceptionally fast, or slow hiker, and cannot stay with the group, this may not be the hike for you. This hike was worth the 45 minute drive to get to the trail head. Once I approached the 4 corners, I was inspired to come back. The total mileage for this hike should be[masked] miles with approximately 2,000' of elevation gain. At 9 miles and 1800 feet, this trail is moderately strenuous, and therefore not generally to be recommended for kids. Restrooms: There are restrooms at the parking lot but not on the trail. This trail was really beautiful. Sitton Peak is a relatively easy hike that then tries to destroy you at the last .25 miles. Established in 1965. We have lots of detailed guides to help you get the most out of plotaroute.com. Recommend hiking poles. Same side as candy shop where you can also buy an adventure pass if you need one. At 3,273 feet above sea level, Sitton Peak has commanding 360 degree views of the Cleveland National Forest. View Sitton Peak Trail in a larger map (This Google Map outlines the direct hiking route to reach Sitton’s Peak summit. This peak is located in the Santa Ana Mountains in the Cleveland National Forest. On the left next to the take lies the wreckage of an airplace crash to explore. Sitton Peak is located in the southern half of the Santa Ana Mountains in Southern California. Directions: Ortega Oaks Candy Store. I also would Not recommend trekking poles for this hike and I usually use them and love them. 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. SELECTED SECTION: ROUTE STATISTICS. From Candy Store . The trailhead is located right behind the candy store, indicated with a sign for the Bear Canyon Trailhead. The only part you have to work is the last quarter mile to the peak. I have seen a couple groups before I even finish turning and there is a loud group somewhere above me. ★ So hike this in the cooler months. This is the junction where Verdugo Truck Trail joins Sitton Peak Truck Trail. S. itton Peak is located in the Cleveland National Forest between San Juan Capistrano and Lake Elsinore. Sitton Peak Trail Run via Bear Canyon Trail, San Juan Loop Trailhead to Pigeon Spring, Riverside County, CA, USA, San Juan Loop and Bear Canyon Trailhead to Bear Canyon Trail, Riverside County, CA, USA, Ortega Oaks Candy Store and Goods to San Juan Loop and Bear Canyon Trailhead, Riverside County, CA, USA, Ortega Oaks Candy Store and Goods, CA, USA, Bear Canyon Trail, Bear Canyon Trail, Verdugo Trail, Sitton Peak Trail. The Candy Store was built in 1956 and established as a Candy Store in 1965. Here's a selection: We also have a number of video tutorials, an FAQ section and friendly forums where you can get more help and advice. Your comment has been flagged for review due to possible spam. Trailhead: Sitton Peak Truck Trail, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 Length: 10 miles Elevation Gain: 2200 ft. The trail starts just downhill from the Candy Store and hikes over the ridge and down into Bear Canyon. The first section of the trail is single track, but much of the […] Gorgeous weather today for this hike, great views! Hiked with my son Kevin and friend John on a nice trail to the peak. Great views of the ocean and Catalina at the summit. This seems to be one of the most used trails in the area and today it is quite crowded. The trailhead is located right behind the candy store, indicated with a sign for the Bear Canyon Trailhead. I conquered Sitton Peak today another one that has been on my list. Standard OC caveats apply: it's hot in summer and the bugs are in force July through August. March 3,2020. 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. Great views. 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. Please Sign In to leave a comment. Route map for 'Sitton Peak + Candy Store Loop 12 Miler' - a 19.2km running route near Lake Elsinore, US. Plotted with the plotaroute.com route planner. On clear days, you can see the ocean and even Catalina Island. Sitton Peak (3,273ft) is one of the high peaks in the southern part of Cleveland National Forest, and this hike is much easier than the hike to Saddleback Mountain, with views that are comparable. Nice views from top. Thick Santa Ana mountain vegeration. The trailhead is located just off the windy road of Highway 74 next to a famous candy store. I wouldn't consider this a Difficult hike like the rating states. I noticed the sign for Tenaya canyon trail. 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. Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 (the trail begins right behind the Ortega Oaks Candy Store) Bryan Feller 2018-02-27. 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. Nice hike. Specialties: Home baked cakes, candy and goods Informative Hiking and camping within the Cleveland National Forest, Land of Many uses. Let's conquer Sitton Peak again! Due to distance, pace and elevation gain, this is an intermediate hike. All junctions are well-marked. A couple hundred yards of steepish scambling, like all of the Santa Ana Mountains, and you are at the top. Not only can it be hot but the bugs can be an annoyance during the warmer time of year. 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. ROUTE: Sitton Peak + Candy Store Loop 12 Miler - 11.903 miles. CUSTOM LABELS. 2020 Sitton Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: Ortega Highway by Candy Store: Encountered: Wildflowers blooming, Ripe berries: Hiking Companions: Hiked with a group: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition: Overcast most of the hike. Show me register was missing although I found the log register by 20 feet away under a bush exposed, no container. ★ The start of the trail is pretty dense and shaded. ★. Description of Hike : The total Distance for our hike to Sitton Peak was 10.3 miles with an elevation gain of approximately 2,200 ft. 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 is 1.7 miles from here. cab - Apr 16, 2012 10:20 am Date Climbed: Apr 15, 2012 Bear Canyon Trail . On clear days, you can see the ocean and even Catalina Island. Sitton Peak is also unique in that it straddles two watersheds, the San Mateo Creek, which drains out … On a clear day San Clemente and Catalina islands can be seen off the coast. I join their line, climbing again in the trek to Sitton Peak. The hike is pretty covered until you get to 4 corners. There were bugs but not bad. Turn right and hike 1.6 miles to a turnoff for Sitton Peak, which comes in a saddle after a half-mile descent. The last quarter of a mile is a scramble but the final view at the peak is well worth it. They can be purchased at the Ortega Oaks … The parking lot is located across the street from the candy store and requires an adventure pass. This will be an out and back. Categories: 2020 SoCal. Find the Bear Canyon trailhead located behind the old -fashioned Candy Store off Ortega Highway. You will need a Forest Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead. Great trail and pretty! Last mile tough up hill rutted our trailer. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/bear-ridge-and-sitton-loop-trail The trailhead is across from the parking lot on the downhill side of the Candy Store with good trail sign. Bryan Feller • February 27, 2018 • 985. ★ Sitton tops out at 3,273 feet and it's a 5 mile hike to the summit from the Bear Canyon Wilderness Trailhead. Adventure pass required and can be purchased at the candy store. 24 of us did the 10+ miles hike, started at 7:30am; met 2beautiful horses with owners on them.Thank you to John Santee, the lead and meetup Sunrise to Sunset Hiking group. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to reach the summit at a moderate pace.) The elevation gain and distance makes this a good intermediate level hike. Bryan Feller 2018-02-27. ★ Follow the Sitton Peak sign on your right and make a sharp right. If you are in modest shape this hike will be challenging at points but definitely doable. Would not do in summer. Our Calorie Calculator estimates how many Calories you will burn using Metabolic Equivalent (MET) values from Compendium of Physical Activities. Two men on the run after ramming a stolen BMW into a Louis Vuitton store and making off with designer handbags during pre-dawn ram raid. We then combine this with your weight and the estimated duration of the activity, taking into account the length of the route and the hills involved, to estimate the total Calories burned. It is $5/day or $30/year. One can be purchased at the Ortega Oaks Candy Store across Ortega Highway. Bottom photo by @thetacoslayers Dog-friendly! ★ Sitton Peak lies within this wilderness area and although it’s not one of the most prominent peaks, it’s vantage point offers a great view of the San Bernardino Mountains like San Gorgonio and San Jacinto, the Orange County coastline, and Northern San Diego County including Palomar Mountain. These are available at the Ortega Oaks Candy Store (cash only), or at the El Cariso Ranger Station. you would only utilize them for a very short amount of time. We wait at hill tops and junctions. This hike starts on the Bear Canyon Loop Trail, which takes us to the Verdugo Truck Trail, to the Sitton Peak Truck Trail. Turn right up the single track to the summit. This route can be downloaded in the following formats (click to download): Please be careful to observe all signs for rights of way when following other people's routes, as we cannot guarantee that they do not cross private or hazardous land. The Hike: A local peak always sounds great, right? There were nice views at the top. I have hiked this trail in the hot and cooler months and I recommend doing this hike during the fall or winter months. When selecting an Activity setting, select the speed you would normally travel at on flat ground. 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. Peak Summited: 2020 Sitton Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: ortega candy store: Encountered: Ripe berries: Hiking Companions: Hiked with children (12 & under) Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition: Great day hiking with my family. Last .9 was quite an incline to summit but I didn’t think it was too bad. https://adoseofthegreatoutdoors.wordpress.com/2016/01/03/sitton-peak-is-easy-fun-and-blissful/, Upper San Juan Campground via Bear Canyon Trail, Upper San Juan Campground via Bear Canyon Trail and Bear Ridge Trail, Upper San Juan Campground Loop via San Juan Loop Trail and Chiquito Hiking Trail, Upper San Juan Campground Loop via Bear Canyon Trail and North Tenaja Trail, Falcon Group Campsite Loop via San Juan Trail and Los Pinos Trail, Bby XX XX red n OK ewww seedeeseeseeeedddd eees. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sitton-peak-truck-trail With some of the higher Santa Ana peaks closed due to the recent fires Sitton Peak is a decent alternative. The trailhead is located on SR 74 right next to the Ortega Oaks Candy Store. The trail has some flat sections to catch your breath, making it a great hike for beginners. 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