I couldn’t have scripted a better day for this hike. I met America Huerta and her daughter (Melissa) in the parking lot across from the Ortega Oaks Candy Store right around 6:30am. There were several cars and hikers already there and getting started. Including a group of about 8 to 10 trail runners. Their plan, if I remember correctly, was to run up to Sitton, then back down the parking lot and continue on to Chiquito Falls and then up to Blue Jay Campground and back to the parking lot. I think they said it would be a 30 mile day. Impressive!

For us though, it was about a 10 mile loop. Going up via Bear Canyon Trail and the Sitton Peak Trail. On the way down we opted to take the longer route (about .3 miles longer) along the Bear Ridge Trail which eventually linked back up with the Bear Canyon Trail. Temps were perfect. Not too cold at the start and not too hot at the end. The trail coming down was pretty packed. Lots of small groups and a few larger ones too. We ended up with about 2,389 feet in elevation gain and finished our hike in about 5.5 hours. My original plan, after the hike, was to head over to Hell’s Kitchen for lunch. It’s a great place to go. Good food, good ambiance and a great crowd. Instead, we decided to head over to Fallbrook for to check out a Pop-Up Party that was advertised by the hiking group Hike It Off Community. And, I was finally able to meet Jamie Purinton and Tony Purinton (I believe the creators of Hike It Off Community). The party was located at The Vineyard At 1924 and had several small vendors, including Hike It Off Community and TAKE A F’N HIKE! It was a very nice outdoor setting, with music, a mini bar from the winery, and a food truck. Which, by the way, had some great street tacos. It was a nice way to end our hike and fill our bellies.

Thank you again, America and Melissa for coming out today. Peak #1, done! On to Peak #2 next weekend. Looking forward to that adventure.