Lucas Canyon Trail can be reached from two trailheads - one located at the San Juan Fire Station, Ortega Highway, and the other at Bear Canyon Trailhead (see Bear Canyon Loop Trail). A vehicle shuttle works nicely with this trail, allowing a one-way hike. Access to Lucas Canyon Trail begins after a two-mile traverse across County park land at a locked gate on Sitton Peak Truck Trail (FS 7S09). Turn right at the old road marked with San Mateo Canyon Wilderness sign and continue to a low point in the saddle where the signed Lucas Trail leads left. The trail descends into Lucas Canyon, joining an old miner's trail at the bottom of the canyon. The trail follows the canyon, crosses the stream, and climbs to the Verdugo Trail. At this junction, you can proceed east to Four Corners and join Bear Canyon Trail turning north back to the San Juan Loop trailhead. The strenuous hike offers sweeping panoramas from the ridgetops, as well as shady streamside areas. A wide variety of plants, animals and terrain will be experienced by hikers. The central portion of the trail is of moderate intensity, but extremely steep at either end. No drinkable water is available on the trail.