Bear Canyon Loop: A loop backpacking trip in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness from the Bear Canyon trailhead to San Mateo Creek and return, 19.5 mi RT via Bluewater and N Tenaja Trails or 23.3 mi RT via Bluewater, San Mateo, and Morgan Trails. This hike should be done counter clockwise since Tenaja Falls has reasonably reliable water and would be only 8.4 trail miles to the trail head that one would have to carry water uphill, 2.5 L minimum, 3.0 L normal, 3.5 L safe. Counterclockwise also has the advantage of going downhill on the Bluewater trail which allows one to see ahead more easily; the trail is reported to be hard to follow in spots. Counterclockwise has the disadvantage of coming to Beach Camp (a good camp site) last. If Beach Camp is occupied, then one has to backtrack half a mile to Pond Camp (lots of space). Of course, it's only half a mile. If one proceeds clockwise, the last reliable water is San Mateo Creek at the Bluewater junction which is 10.4 trail miles uphill to the trailhead. More water (3 L minimum, 3.5 L normal, 4.0 L safe) would have to be carried. Clockwise does have the advantage of coming to Beach Camp before Pond Camp. If Beach Camp is occupied, one simply proceeds to Pond Camp and does not have to backtrack. However, all things considered, I think counter clockwise is best.