Apr 17 Bear Canyon Trail Flora, Four Corners, Sitton Peak

This STRENUOUS HIKE led by Ron Vanderhoof of CNPS Orange County Chapter Strenuous Hike includes an optional moderate hike, depending upon how far we decide to go. This is a rich area botanically and enters into the western edge of The San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. This will be a three-leg trip and participants can chose as much or as little as they wish. Do only one leg, two legs or all three legs (strenuous).

Leg 1) A wonderful hike up the Bear Canyon Trail from the Candy Store on Hwy. 74 to the intersection of The Verdugo Truck Trail. This is about 2 miles (one-way) with an elevation gain of 700 feet (moderate).

Leg 2) This is another 1.2 miles (one-way) with an elevation gain of only another 100 feet.

Leg 3) This adds another 1.6 miles (one-way) with an elevation gain of 500 feet, but the final section to the summit is a steep, rocky climb, with a gain of 400 feet over just .3 miles (strenuous).

Participants can go as far as they wish, but will be returning independently if only doing either of the first two legs. Depending upon rainfall, expect to see a wide variety of native plants, including many annual flowers, perennials, shrubs and vines. We will pass through extensive areas of well-developed chaparral and oak woodland, with some sections of native grassland and riparian woodland as well. Sitton Peak offers great views at 3,273 ft. elevation.

Trip Organizer: Ron Vanderhoff.

Meet 8 AM at the parking lot at Bravo Burgers, 31722 Rancho Viejo Rd., San Juan Capistrano (just off Hwy 74 near Int.5).

This trip does require a USFS Adventure Pass.

Physical Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. No water or restrooms.

Plant Intensity: moderate to high.

Time: 2-5 hours or more depending on your desire.

Bring hat, sunscreen, camera, wildflower book/notepad, water and lug-soled hiking shoes/boots.

Suggested field guide - Wildflowers of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mts. by Robert Allen and Fred Roberts

ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION at http://www.occnps.org/explore/field-trips.html