San Mateo Canyon Wilderness – Sitton Peak via Bear Canyon Loop

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You start the hike next to the Ortega Oaks store and quickly climb into the mountains, leaving the road (and sounds of rice rockets and civics behind you). Your first destination is 4-corners, an intersection of hiking trails that we will be exploring again soon. The hike to 4 corners was easy so we decided to continue on to Sitton Peak. The trail to the peak was very steep, the dirt was loose and we knew it would be a pain going back down. Someone on trails.com pegs this last quarter mile at 413ft elevation gain; that’s fairly steep. It was totally worth it though for the views afforded and the sense of satisfaction you get from scrambling up there.  This trip was among the best san mateo wilderness hiking that I’ve found so far.

Miles covered: ~10 round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,266
Rating: Moderate
Hike This trail (directions to 4-corners, once there, follow sign to Sitton Peak)