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
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Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles River: West Bank Trail
5.014.4 mi / 331 ft gainLos Angeles River: West Bank Trail is an out-and-back trail that is good for all skill levels located near Los Angeles, California.Read more -
Marina del Rey, California
Ballona Lagoon
5.01.8 mi / 95 ft gainSuch a relaxing and beautiful stroll in the Marina Del Rey/Venice area! Park in Marina Del Rey #13 lot (4601 Vía Marina, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292). Don't forget to pay the meter! The rate as of 2021 is $0.50/15mins, or $6 for 24hrs on weekdays, and $8 for 24hrs on weekends. Once parked, walk ...Read more -
Los Angeles, United States
Verdugo Crest Trail
4.06.71 mi / 2510 ft gainThe Verdugo Crest Trail is a 6.6 mile loop near Glendale, California. The trail features lovely wildflowers in the spring and beautiful views year-round. The trail is steep, so make sure you are wearing sturdy running or walking shoes. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash. Va...Read more -
Glendale, California
Brand Library Loop
5.06.56 mi / 2648 ft gainYour adventure will start at the Brand Library parking lot. Walk behind the library towards the gated day use area and you will find the start of the trail on your right, Las Flores MTWY. The first half-mile rises over 500 feet to a plateau, equipped with benches, a park map and views of Griffit...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Glendale Peak via Henry's Trail
4.02.07 mi / 915 ft gainGlendale Peak is often passed over by people hiking to Mt. Hollywood, and while it is not as high as its neighbor summit, it boasts arguably better views that you will enjoy all to yourself. While not really a full hiking trail and more of a small detour, Henry's Trail is worth the small uphill c...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
West Trail Loop
4.31.85 mi / 463 ft gainThe trail starts near Dell Picnic area, near the Trails Cafe. On this wide fire road, you can choose to run or hike, but don't expect to have the trail to yourself, especially if you're heading out on the weekend. With that said, you can time your run or hike around sunset and get amazing views b...Read more -
Culver City, California
Culver City Stairs
4.11.32 mi / 344 ft gainThe Culver City Stairs are an outdoor staircase designed into the trails leading up to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. This particular staircase is uniquely constructed to blend into the landscape and is comprised of 282 uneven stairs. The stairs vary in height from 3 inches to nearly 2 ft...s...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Mount Hollywood Trail
5.02.49 mi / 505 ft gainMount Hollywood Trail is a loop with scenic views of Griffith Park located in Los Angeles, California. There are multiple ways to reach the summit of Mount Hollywood, including via Mount Hollywood via Fern Canyon Trail (5-mile loop) starting near the merry-go-round. This route is one of the most ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory
4.82.63 mi / 587 ft gainThe Ferndell to Griffith Observatory trail in Los Angeles, California is a moderate difficulty, 2.63-mile loop trail. The trail starts at Ferndell Nature Museum, a small museum with a garden and picnic area. The trail then ascends through a shaded canyon, with a small stream running alongside. ...Read more -
Ventura, California
Kayak Santa Cruz Island
4.5As the largest of the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Island National Park is an ecological treasure, and to kayak it is to get to experience it in a manner unlike any other. Getting to the island is easiest through Island Packers where you can also reserve a kayak (so pack effi...Read more -
Ventura, California
Cavern Point & Potato Harbor Loop
5.04.99 mi / 545 ft gainTucked away in the Pacific Ocean just 25 miles from the coast, the Channel Islands are one of Southern California’s hidden gems. With towering cliffs and isolated beaches that hug the coast, this place makes you feel worlds away from home. Channel Islands National Park is comprised of five island...Read more -
Ventura, California
Potato Harbor via North Bluff Trail
4.49 mi / 463 ft gainThe 4.5-mile North Bluff Trail traverses the colossal cliffs of Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park from Scorpion Anchorage to Potato Harbor. Arrive via an Island Packers boat to Scorpion Anchorage and, upon disembarking, walk straight ahead. Just past the restrooms (one of only tw...Read more -
Ventura, California
Scorpion Ranch Campground
4.00.72 mi / 43 ft gainAccessible only by Ferry, this little-known national park is a backpacker's dream. You can catch the ferry out of Ventura or Santa Barbara, only a short distance from LA. The ride to the island is around 1 hour. We chose to take Island Packers Ferry out of Ventura to Santa Cruz Island. The ferry...Read more -
Ventura, California
Potato Harbor Trail
5.04.34 mi / 404 ft gainAs California’s largest island, Santa Cruz Island of the Channel Islands is the perfect little getaway from Los Angeles. Getting to the island is possible only by a one hour boat ride through Island Packers, click here to find out more about them. Be sure to pack light since you’ll be carrying ev...Read more -
Ventura, California
Smuggler's Cove
3.57.72 mi / 1342 ft gainSave one stretch of elevation close to the cove itself, this 8-mile, round-trip hike is a leisuring trek across one of the countries most beautiful, though less famous National Parks - the Channel Islands. Smuggler's Cove is located on the Santa Cruz Island, which also happens to be the largest i...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Mount Hollywood via the Fern Canyon Trail
5.05.02 mi / 1581 ft gainAt 1,625 feet Mt Hollywood is the second highest point in Griffith Park and provides picturesque views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park Observatory, Downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains. The hike to the Mt Hollywood Summit begins on the northeast side of Griffith Park near the ...Read more
