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  • Ventura County
  • Ventura County, California

    Ventura County, California, is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One of the top scenic hikes is the Arroyo Verde Park Trail. This 6.7-mile loop offers a moderate challenge, perfect for a day of outdoor adventure. Hikers will encounter rolling hills, oak groves, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Another must-visit is the Santa Clara River Reserve, where you can enjoy bird-watching and fishing in the expansive river. For rock climbing enthusiasts, the Sespe Gorge is a must-visit. Its unique rock formations provide a challenging climb with rewarding views of the surrounding landscape. Nearby, the Channel Islands National Park offers kayaking and snorkeling opportunities, allowing visitors to explore the marine life and kelp forests. These outdoor attractions make Ventura County a top destination for those seeking adventure and scenic beauty.

    Top Spots in and near Ventura County

    • Santa Paula, California

      Santa Paula Punch Bowls

      3.6
      6.5 mi / 1037 ft gain
      This is a 6.5 mile trail, out and back. Parking is available along Ojai St, and the trail starts at the entrance of Thomas Aquinas College. Follow the paved road that goes around the school, until you reach a fork on the road, then stay right. The trail will take you through Ferndale Ranch, just ...
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    • Thousand Oaks, California

      Paradise Falls Loop

      4.3
      2.26 mi / 300 ft gain
      The hike to Paradise Falls is about 1.5 miles one way with around 300 feet elevation change. Take it easy starting the hike because the real challenge is the change in elevation going back to your car since you'll be going uphill. At the trailhead, follow the signs indicating the location of Para...
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    • Thousand Oaks, California

      Hiking Wildwood Regional Park

      3.8
      Wildwood Regional Park is open year-round, easily accessible, and offers great routes for hiking, running, biking, and even horseback riding. There are also two waterfalls inside the park—the larger of the two, Paradise Falls, cascades 40 feet into a large pool. To catch some beautiful views of t...
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    • Ojai, California

      Camp at Dennison Park in Ojai Valley

      Great little campsite very close to the town of Ojai.  My discovery of this gem was totally coincidental. I was trying to book a hotel room in Ojai; however, that particular weekend all the rooms that were within my budget were sold out. Instead of giving up, I looked for alternative options and ...
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    • Ojai, California

      Rose Valley Falls

      5.0
      0.68 mi / 256 ft gain
      ...It's not often that you come across 100 ft waterfalls. This moderate to easy hike to Rose Valley Falls leads you to one of the tallest waterfalls in the Los Padres National Forest. The hike begins at Rose Valley Campground. If you're not staying at a campsite, park outside the entrance of the ...
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    • Ojai, California

      Couch Rock

      3.5
      1.3 mi / 627 ft gain
      Driving up Gridley Road away from Ojai you’ll come upon a small parking lot on your left and a gate barring the way to a dirt road. Park here, as close to the mountainside as possible and head onto the trail.  Follow the trail until you see pass a bench, and start heading downhill. Keep your eye...
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    • Ojai, California

      Piedra Blanca Formations

      5.0
      5.41 mi / 860 ft gain
      These white sandstone formations, splitting out of the forest, are a worthwhile sight as you climb up to gain a great vantage point of the valley. Spend some time exploring the rocks - the nooks & crannies are full of surprises. You can turn this into an overnighter by staying at the campgrou...
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    • Ojai, California

      Willett Hot Springs via Sespe River Trail

      20.08 mi / 2598 ft gain
      Park at the Lions Camp parking lot. Adventure Passes aren't technically "required" but it never hurts to have one. You can stop at the Forest Service in Ojai (1190 E. Ojai Ave) or stop at the Wheeler Gorge Station on your way up to buy one for $5 for a night. The trail begins at the far side of t...
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    • Newbury Park, California

      Boney Peak

      4.0
      12.04 mi / 3025 ft gain
      The hike begins at the parking lot for Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park, CA just outside LA. Pull into the parking lot and walk on the dirt road until you see the trail for Boney Peak. It is easy to find because the peak can be seen from the beginning of the trail. The trail is generally an in...
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    • Ventura County, California

      Sycamore Canyon Falls

      3.3 mi / 545 ft gain
      ...When arriving in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, take the drive and park at Sycamore Canyon parking lot. Parking is free and also offers restrooms and some history about the park. Follow the trailhead South until you come to the Satwiwa Culture Center on your left and a dome-like...
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    • Oak Park, California

      China Flat Trail to Simi Peak

      5.0
      5.03 mi / 1398 ft gain
      From the trailhead, simply follow the trail headed up the mountain. The first 2 miles is the hardest part of the hike, because of the steep ascent.  Continue on until you hit a junction. Turn left, and you will eventually see an old rusty gate, and a sign which says "China Flat Trail". You will ...
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    • Ojai, California

      Rock Climb at Foothill Crag

      2 mi
      From downtown Ojai, head north on N Signal Street. Head up the hill and turn left onto a gravel road next to a chainlink fence once you get to the top.(There should be a sign that points to "Pratt/Foothill Trailhead.") Continue past a water tank on the right to a trailhead parking area.  I've gon...
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    • Ventura, California

      Hike Arroyo Verde Park

      3.5 mi / 800 ft gain
      Arroyo Verde Park is a small parked tucked in the hills above Ventura, California, and has a network of trails running up and down the hills surrounding the valley in the center of the park. The entrance to the park is at the intersection of Foothill Road Day Road, east of downtown Ventura. There...
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    • Castaic, California

      Hiking the Piru Creek Gorge Trail

      Take the I-5 exit North of Castaic, CA at Templin Hwy. Turn onto Golden State Hwy heading the only direction it goes from the exit, North. When it dead-ends in a few miles at the National Forest Gate, you are at Frenchman's Flat.You can camp here, or hang with the day hikers. Heading North along ...
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    • Stevenson Ranch, California

      Mentryville: Pico Canyon Trail

      7.07 mi / 1388 ft gain
      Mentryville: Pico Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Stevenson Ranch, California.
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    • Westlake Village, California

      Climb at Echo Cliffs

      1.3 mi
      The hike to the crag is about 1.3 miles one way and takes roughly 45 minutes. The approach starts at the Backbone / Mishe Mokwa trail head off Yerba Buena Rd.  After walking a couple minutes you'll see a sign pointing left for the backbone trail or straight for Mishe Mokwa. Continue straight and ...
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    Camping and Lodging in Ventura County

    Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday
    Santa Paula, California

    Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday

    Pyramid Lake   Los Alamos Campground
    Castaic, California

    Pyramid Lake Los Alamos Campground

    Pyramid Lake   Emigrant Landing Day Use Area
    Castaic, California

    Pyramid Lake Emigrant Landing Day Use Area

    Wheeler Gorge
    Ojai, California

    Wheeler Gorge

    Holiday Group Campground
    Ojai, California

    Holiday Group Campground

    Santa Cruz Scorpion
    Smugglers Road

    Santa Cruz Scorpion

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Ventura County

    Velo Ventura: The 5 Best Cycling and Mountain Biking Trails in the Heart of the Central Coast

    Velo Ventura: The 5 Best Cycling and Mountain Biking Trails in the Heart of the Central Coast

    Josiah Roe

    By Land & Sea: 72 Hours in Ventura, California

    By Land & Sea: 72 Hours in Ventura, California

    Josiah Roe