Bear Canyon Loop window.onload=new function(){wgUserName='';sTrailName='Bear Canyon Loop';bTrailFinished='';} [?]

Bear Canyon Loop
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Difficulty	Moderate
Distance	6.5 miles (10.5 kilometers)
Time Required	3-4 hours
Trail Use
Trail Type	Loop
Elevation Gain	1300 feet (400 meters)
High Point
Low Point
Best Months	September - April
Nearest City	Lake Elsinore, CA

Overview

This great hike proves that Orange County has some wonderful back country trails. Wildflowers should be spectacular during spring and the hike offers great views along the way, with opportunities to extend the hike in several directions.

Directions To Trailhead

If coming from near San Juan Capistrano, take the I-5 and exit at the Ortega Highway/Highway 74 going northeast. Continue for about 21 miles and then turn left to park in the large parking lot. You should see signs for both the Bear Canyon Loop Trail and the San Juan Loop Trail.

Trail Description

From the trailhead you will walk about 0.75 miles and then reach the border of the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. Continuing along, you will reach a trail junction after about a mile that connects with the Morgan Trail. From here the elevation will begin to increase, but the views will also become more impressive.

About 2 miles farther along the trail, you will begin the loop section of this lolipop loop. You can of course choose either direction, but the counter-clockwise direction (right at the start of the loop) offers more shade while walking uphill. The uphill section will take you about 1.25 miles until you reach Four Corners. From here continue the loop back down and then back to the parking lot.

You can optionally continue the hike from the loop to get to Sitton Peak, which involves a rock scramble and outstanding views of the surrounding area.

Conditions And Hazards

During spring and summer there can be black flies that pester hikers.

The area in general can get hot and dusty, so make sure to bring plenty of water.

Fees, Permits, And Restrictions

To park in the lot at the trailhead you will need a Forest Service Adventure Pass. You can buy one of these passes at the Candy Store, located right across from the parking lot on the Ortega Highway. The store does not open until 9am.

Amenities

There is NO bathroom near this trail or trailhead.

Miscellaneous

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Photo Gallery

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Map

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Trailhead (33.60805, -117.441673)

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