Within the 39,540 acre San Mateo Canyon Wilderness visitors will find over 60 miles of hiking trails for Southern California hikers to enjoy. The elevation of the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness ranges from 600 feet to over 3,500 feet. Keep an eye open for wildlife: 139 bird species, 37 mammal species, 46 reptile and amphibian species, seven species of fish. Lizards, rattlesnakes, coyotes, skunks, and mice are commonly seen; the elusive mountain lion is around as well, but rarely seen.
The San Mateo Canyon Wilderness is a beautiful area to hike in and is well worth exploring as it offers some of Southern California's best hiking trails. Both Ashley and I would highly recommend exploring the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness area. Many times on the trails you will be the only one out in the wilderness. If you are looking to get out in the wilderness and away from the hectic pace in Orange County and the greater Southern California area, this is a good place to do a day hike. As always, an Adventure Pass is needed for parking at the trailheads that provide access to the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. For overnight trips a free permit must be obtained from the forest service. For a map of the hiking trails in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness click Here. For a map of more wilderness areas in the United States click Here.
HIKES IN THE SAN MATEO CANYON WILDERNESS
hi you guys.
ReplyDeleteI want to take some scouts out to the san mateo cyn wilderness area for some primitive camping. is there a good overnight spot or area you could recommend for 10 scouts and their handlers?
iron brian
troop 606
Brian,
ReplyDeleteThere are two places that might work for that both in different spots of the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. I am sure there are others but here are the two I have seen that would probably work.
First: The 4 corners area along the trail to Sitton Peak. It is where the Verdugo, Tenaja, bear canyon, and bear ridge trails intersect.
Second: The area by fishermans camp also had some areas that would work as well.
Hope that helps
Thanks for the feedback. here are some links for you.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV0ITI1q46o
hope you have some scouts of your own someday.
iron brian
troop 606
I just completed the hike from Fisherman's Camp Trail Head up North Clark trail (1.3 miles 1330'). Overall the trail is in poor condition. The 8 miles one way took me 5:30 with a 35 lbs pack. The views are however amazing. There are water holes suitable to filter water, so don't overpack as I did. Wear good boots because you will be on loose soil and plenty of rocks. Even with trekking poles, I fell three times on my 16 mile journey. If you climb the clark trail, you will have a wonderful place to camp. Coming back down is not faster because of how steep and loose the trail is. This path isn't for the faint of heart, but for those who brave it will not see another soul for miles.
ReplyDelete