My second hike of the 2022 challenge was Sitton Peak. I'm working my way up to San Gorgonio shape (permit next month!) so today decided I knew I needed to keep doing hikes leading up to it.

Since I already did Wilson last week, my only options sans snow were Sitton and Strawberry Peak. My hiking partner opted for Sitton so that's where we headed!

We arrived at a very empty San Juan Trail Loop parking lot (it's Easter) and started the hike a little after 8am.

It was a warm hike, but not so bad at the outset since we got an early start. I noted the trail had a lot more water cuts through them than when I went last December, so I had to be a bit more careful even on the flat or gentle climb parts.

Once again I could not locate the spring that's listed on the map, but since I brought 4 liters of water (one frozen) and a frozen orange tea, I didn't need additional water.

Past 4 Corners the trail was even worse than I remembered. There was one part that definitely started to land slide away… (it was still big enough to easily walk past, bit it was very noticeable.)

After showing my friend the remnants of an old helicopter crash, we turned up the last .36 miles to the top. Having done this before, I was prepared for the steep, winding climb to the flat part before the fun, broken scramble up the final push.

The last push up top was still just as technical, but mentally a lot easier this second time since I knew the peak was up there somewhere and that the trail breaks up heading up. Also after clawing up that landslide on the alternate Mt. Wilson trail last week this was pretty easy.

We got to the top section and then the final summit area eventually and enjoyed lunch and talked to some other hikers who arrived before making our way down.

It was much hotter and sunnier on the descent. It was now past noon and the sun much more unforgiving. I thought to myself that I should have brought my trusty hiking umbrella afterall.

Eventually we madd it to the trailhead again and enjoyed some ice cream from the candy store before heading off.