Sitton Peak Trail Guide: SoCal Six Pack’s Easiest Peak

Sitton Peak is a 3,273-foot summit in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, just inland from Lake Elsinore, CA. Arguably the easiest hike in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge, it’s a solid trail for newer hikers or anyone easing back into peak bagging. The 9.4-mile round-trip route offers ocean views on a clear day and just one steep push near the top, making the reward-to-effort ratio hard to beat. I kicked off my 6-Pack journey here; it felt like the natural place to begin, thanks to its mellow terrain and proximity to San Diego.

Sitton Peak Hike

Sitton Peak is most likely the easiest hike in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge, due to only being challenging in the last half mile to the summit. The hike is 9.4 miles total, out and back, with an elevation gain of under 2,300ft. AllTrails’ average completion time is just under 5 hours. It took me 3 hours and 48 minutes of moving time to complete the hike, and about 5 hours in total, counting the time at the summit.

Sitton Peak Trail Stats

• Trail Name: Bear Canyon Trail to Sitton Peak
• Distance: 9.4 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: ~2,060 ft
• Peak Elevation: 3,273 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate (only steep near the summit)
• Trail Type: Out & back
• Estimated Time: 4.5 to 5 hours
• Dogs Allowed: Yes, on leash
• Best Season: Fall through spring (can get hot in summer)
• Permits: None needed for hiking; Adventure Pass required for parking

Gear Recommendation

While the trail presents breathtaking vistas, readiness for challenges is key. Certain segments may feature overgrown areas, causing my leggings to endure a few pulled threads. For prospective hikers, a valuable tip is to opt for clothing resilient to wear and tear.

Moreover, considering the steepness of the final half-mile, having trekking poles can prove beneficial for the descent. I didn’t take mine with me, but I wish I had.

In conjunction with the famous ten essentials, explore the following gear recommendations. These are some of my tried-and-true picks, gear I’ve tested on trails like this one and beyond. I’m always tweaking my setup, but this combo worked well here (minus forgetting my trekking poles!).

Sitton Peak Trailhead & Parking Info

The main trailhead for Sitton Peak is the Bear Canyon Trailhead, located just off Ortega Highway (CA-74) across from the Ortega Oaks Candy Store.

Parking: A small parking lot is directly across the street from the Candy Store. It fills up fast on weekends, so try to arrive early.

Adventure Pass Required: You’ll need a Southern California Adventure Pass to park here. If you don’t have one, you can buy a day pass inside the Candy Store before you hike.

Restrooms: Vault toilets are available in the parking area.

Trail Start: After parking, cross the road and follow the path just west of the Candy Store. Look for the Bear Canyon Trail signboard and the wilderness sign-in sheet.

Nearest town: Lake Elsinore (about 25 minutes away).

Note: There is no water at the trailhead, so bring enough for your entire hike.

Where is Sitton Peak in California?

Sitton Peak is located in the Santa Ana Mountains, within the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, straddling the border of Riverside and Orange counties. The trailhead is near the Ortega Oaks Candy Store off Ortega Highway (Highway 74), about 25 minutes from Lake Elsinore and roughly halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles.

If you’re coming from San Diego, it’s the closest hike in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge, making it a convenient starting point for the series.

Sitton Peak Trail Map

The Ascent to Sitton Peak: A Gradual Incline

I hiked this trail with a friend on a sunny Sunday in mid-January, with comfortable temperatures in the upper 50s. The beginning of the hike eases you in with mostly moderate inclines and a few flat stretches, making for a relaxed start.

What makes Sitton Peak stand out is that the real challenge only comes in during the last half-mile. Here, the trail steepens noticeably, and a bit of rock scrambling might come into play, adding a fun little adventure just before the summit.

Early on, you’ll come across the wilderness sign-in sheet, where all visitors are asked to register. The path is well-marked the entire way, winding through picturesque views of the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness that keep your eyes busy as you climb.

Once you reach the summit, the payoff is huge. On a clear day, the panoramic views stretch to the ocean. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to pause, breathe deeply, and soak it all in, especially if you time your hike to catch the sunset.

Sunset on the way back down

Plants spotted on the trail

Relive my Sitton Peak hike

Want a visual? Watch my 3D route replay on Relive; the sunset views near the summit are worth seeing.

What is the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge?

The SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge is a self-paced hiking series featuring six (or optionally 12) iconic summits across Southern California. Designed to build endurance and encourage exploration, the challenge includes mountains like Mt. Baldy, Cucamonga Peak, and San Jacinto.

Sitton Peak is often the first one people hike; it’s the closest to San Diego and one of the most approachable in terms of distance and elevation. You can register for the challenge online and track your progress for fun, fitness, or even prizes.

Sitton Peak Hike FAQ

Is Sitton Peak hard?
Sitton Peak is considered one of the easiest hikes in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks. Most of the trail is mellow, with only the final half-mile being steep and slightly rocky.

Do I need a permit for Sitton Peak?
No hiking permit is required, but a Southern California Adventure Pass is required to park at the trailhead. You can buy a day pass at the Candy Store.

Can I bring my dog on the trail?
Yes! Dogs are allowed on leash. Bring plenty of water for them, there’s none available at the trailhead or along the trail.

Is Sitton Peak good for sunset hikes?
Definitely. The summit offers ocean views on a clear day, and the west-facing ridgeline makes for beautiful sunset lighting on the way down. Just bring a headlamp for the return.

How do I get to the Sitton Peak trailhead?
The trail starts at the Bear Canyon Trailhead, across from the Ortega Oaks Candy Store on Highway 74. It’s about 25 minutes from Lake Elsinore.

Final Thoughts on the Sitton Peak Hike

Sitton Peak’s moderate challenge, ocean views, and easy access make it one of the most approachable hikes in the Southern California Six Pack of Peaks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, it’s a satisfying one to check off your list.

One down, five (or eleven?!) to go. If you’re ready to take on the challenge, too, you can sign up here and start planning your first summit.

Post originally published on January 25, 2024, and last updated on September 29, 2025.