Bear Ridge and Sitton Peak Loop Trail

Bear Canyon trail to Sitton Peak - Lovely hike though we did not have enough daylight left to make it to the Peak, we just did the ridge loop.

If you don't have a parking pass the shop across the street sells them. The parking area is across the the street from the trailhead, and across from the Ortega Oaks store.

From the trailhead for Bear Canyon Trail (SE side of Hw 74 a little SW of Ortega Oaks store) head south and immediately begin ascending the hillside. In a little less than 1 mile there is a junction with Morgan Trail. Continue straight on Bear Canyon Trail and to the next junction at 2 miles. Take a right to stay on Bear Canyon Trail (also known as Verdugo Truck Trail). The trail passes Pigeon Springs on the left; there is a horse trough and might make a nice rest stop.

At the 3+ mile mark you reach Four Corners, which is actually a junction of 5 trails (fire roads). Turn right here to take Sitton Peak trail and climb to about 4.3 miles; here take another right to head up a very steep slope to the summit of Sitton Peak. On clear days there are excellent views of Modjeska and Santiago Peak, Mt. San Gorgonia, Mt. San Jacinto, and of course the Pacific Ocean.

(We did the 6+ mile ridge loop by looping back on the other ridge trail at 4 corners)

After enjoying the views, head back the way you came. At Four Corners take a wide left (not sharp left) to head onto Bear Ridge Trail which overlooks Bear Canyon. Follow this north to the junction with Bear Canyon Trail, Stay straight onto Bear Canyon Trail and head back to the trailhead.