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Ascent of Sitton Peak Trail in Hiking Report

Sitton Peak, while not the highest within Cleveland National Forest, still attracts a significant number of climbers for a hiking adventure.

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
Despite not being one of the towering peaks in Cleveland National Forest, Sitton Peak stands out as...
Despite not being one of the towering peaks in Cleveland National Forest, Sitton Peak stands out as one of the most frequented ones for hikers to conquer.

Ascent of Sitton Peak Trail in Hiking Report

Scaling Sitton Peak: A Rewarding Challenge in the Santa Ana Mountains

Prepare yourself for a captivating adventure as we explore Sitton Peak – a gem hidden within the Cleveland National Forest. Despite it not being one of the towering peaks, Sitton attracts numerous hikers due to its rewarding hike and breathtaking panoramas. From Catalina's allure to the majestic SoCal high peaks, the vistas from the summit never cease to amaze.

Your journey to Sitton Peak begins at the bustling San Juan Loop & Bear Canyon Trailhead. San Juan Loop Trailhead, Trabuco Canyon, CA, 92679, USA serves as the gateway to your thrilling expedition.

Before setting out, let's talk gear. The Santa Ana Mountains heat can be unforgiving during summer, making a cooler day or early morning hike your best bet. The following essentials will ensure your journey is as effortless as possible:

  1. Hydration: Aim for 2-3L of water to keep yourself hydrated through the hike.
  2. Trekking Poles: These come in handy for the final, steeper section of the trail.
  3. Insect Repellant: Essential for warding off annoying insects that might disturb your hike.

For an in-depth look at the gear I'm currently using and why, check out my Top Gear Picks page. (Last updated June 2025)

Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.

| My Current Favorite Gear || --- || Osprey Hikelite 26 - My trusted daypack that offers lightweight sturdiness while keeping my back dry with its trampoline mesh. || Norda 001 - Comfortable, lightweight, and offers the perfect balance between protection and cushioning. || Garmin inReach Mini 2 - For emergency situations, this offers reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry. || AllTrails Plus - Access offline maps, real-time trip reports, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync with a 30% discount. || Garmin Fenix 8 - After some updates, this device has proven itself to be rock-solid for hiking, maps, tracking, and routing. |

Before I delve into the specifics of the trail, let me share a bit about the Sitton Peak's history.

Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.

Fun Fact:Sitton Peak first appeared on the 1901 USGS topographic map and was likely named after Albert Sitton from Fullerton – but if anyone has any more information, I'd love to hear it!

Climbing Sitton Peak: A Step-by-Step Guide

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.

Trail Maps and Directions

AllTrails Plus - 30% off! Up-to-date trip reports. AllTrails+ adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.

Sitton Peak first sprung up on the 1901 USGS topographic map. Many believe it was named after Albert Sitton of Fullerton, but if you know more about its origins, please share!

Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

Tips for Hiking Sitton Peak

  • Trailhead Access: Limited parking, so arrive early to secure a spot. The trailhead is accessible from numerous points within the San Juan Loop area.
  • Weather Conditions: Keep a close eye on the weather forecast, as sudden changes can occur in mountainous regions.
  • Respect the Environment: Practice "Leave No Trace" principles to preserve the pristine beauty of the area for future hikers.
  1. Embark on an exhilarating adventure as we delve into Sitton Peak, nestled within the Cleveland National Forest.
  2. Situated at the San Juan Loop & Bear Canyon Trailhead, San Juan Loop Trailhead, Trabuco Canyon, CA, 92679, USA serves as your starting point for this enticing expedition.
  3. In the scorching Santa Ana Mountains heat, essential gear includes 2-3L of water, trekking poles, and insect repellant to ensure a smoother journey.
  4. My trusted daypack for the hike is the Osprey Hikelite 26, offering lightweight sturdiness and a trampoline mesh to keep my back dry.
  5. Navigate the trails with precision using AllTrails Plus, which offers offline maps, real-time trip reports, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync with a 30% discount.
  6. Climbing Sitton Peak can be challenging, so before setting out, bear in mind limited parking at the trailhead, the need to respect the environment, and keeping a close eye on the weather forecast.
  7. With beautiful panoramas from the summit spanning from Catalina's allure to the majestic SoCal high peaks, summiting Sitton Peak promises to be a memorable and rewarding challenge in the Santa Ana Mountains.

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