Sitton Peak Intermediate Level Hike

Sitton Peak is a great hike for anyone who enjoys a little challenge. If you have been looking for your first "intermediate" level hike then this is one to consider. At just under 10 miles the distance is not too long, and the climb itself is easy to moderate except for the last half mile to the summit. It is steep, but if you have been doing the side trails on our conditioning hikes then you should be able to handle the final scramble to the top.

Once on the summit you are rewarded with great views in every direction, assuming we get a nice clear day. Santa Catalina and all of our local mountain ranges should be visible.

Note: I will adjust the pace according to the group. It's only the last half mile that is strenuous.

From the trail head off Ortega Highway we will take the Bear Canyon Trail south making several right turns along the way. At 3.2 miles we will reach the Four Corners saddle and take a short break. We will then continue on for another mile and take another short break before following a steep, informal trail up to the Sitton Peak summit.

We will enjoy a more extensive break at the peak to take in the views and enjoy a snack. After the hike, for those interested, we will have lunch at Hell's Kitchen - a quaint little biker bar on SR74.

HIKE STATS/INFORMATION:

Location: Sitton Peak, San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, Cleveland National Forest

Distance: 9.5 miles round trip, Out-and-back

Hiking time: Approximately 5-6 hours (round trip)

Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,150'

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous

NOT FOR BEGINNERS

Except for breaks and scrambling to the summit, the pace will be approximately 2.5 mph.

WHAT TO BRING

Bring plenty of water, sun hat, energy snacks and good attitude!

Parking at the trail head parking lot requires the Forest Adventure Pass for your vehicle.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY/DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR THIS HIKE: BY SIGNING UP AND ATTENDING THIS HIKE YOU AGREE TO NOT HOLD THESE ORGANIZERS LIABLE FOR ANY HARM/INJURIES THAT YOU MAY INCUR FROM THIS EVENT. THESE ORGANIZERS ARE NOT TRAINED TO HANDLE MEDICAL EMERGENCIES. EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING THEIR OWN PERSONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL KIT AND PERSONAL MEDICATION THEY MAY NEED. YOU ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS ACTIVITY. HIKING IS AS INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY THAT CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SLIP AND FALL INJURIES, HEAD TRAUMA, FRACTURES, BLEEDING, SNAKEBITES, HEAT STROKE/EXHAUSTION AND FROSTBITE. ALWAYS REMEMBER TO STAY ON THE TRAIL, LET YOUR HIKE ORGANIZER KNOW IF YOU ARE LEAVING THE GROUP, NEVER HIKE ALONE AND USE YOUR COMMON SENSE.