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Ventura, California

Looking for the best hiking in Ventura? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Ventura. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Ventura

  • Malibu, California

    Backbone Trail via Kanan Dume

    5.0
    4.47 mi / 1089 ft gain
    Fair warning, it can get very hot in Malibu, especially in the summer or fall. We started at the Kanan Dume Road lot. It fills up quick, both directions offer beautiful hiking, but most people tend to go west, it seems. While that's beautiful, you end on a decent uphill, so if hiking is new or c...
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  • Malibu, California

    Hike the Backbone East from Latigo Canyon

    3.8 mi / 780 ft gain
    Starting in a dusty, generally empty parking lot, at about 2,000' ASL, you'll go immediately due north, up a few more feet before you drop down into another canyon covered in live oaks (and poison oak), thistles, ferns, and wildflowers. There's only one trail. It's windy, it's not hilly, it just ...
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  • Agoura Hills, California

    Ladyface Peak

    4.5
    2.05 mi / 971 ft gain
    Ladyface is a volcanic ridge that juts up over Agoura Hills. It is a short but steep hike up the ridgeline, and it offers amazing views to either side. Sections of the trail are steep and sandy so it can be challenging to maintain your footing. Trekking poles are optional and can help with the de...
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  • Santa Barbara, California

    Hike to Knapp's Castle

    4.2
    0.8 mi
    One of the many hidden gems near Santa Barbara, Knapp's Castle is an abandoned home built in 1916 by George Knapp. Finding the trailhead can be difficult because it's not clearly marked and the road it's starts from is long, winding and narrow. Coming from the 154, turn right on East Camino Cielo...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Backbone Trail via Corral Canyon

    5.0
    2.08 mi / 89 ft gain
    The backbone trail was a vision that started in the 1980’s. It is a trail that stretches 65 Miles starting in Will Rodgers State Historic Park and ending at Thornhill Broome Beach. It has many entrance and exit points but it is anchored in the middle by the Coral Canyon Trail Head. The full trail...
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  • Malibu, California

    Point Dume

    4.8
    0.95 mi / 141 ft gain
    From the parking lot, make your way towards Point Dume. You will find the entrance to the trail at the end of the lot. The trail is a bit sandy, but fairly easy. Be careful of the cactus plants along the trail! Make your way up towards the cliff and you'll notice ropes hanging on the edge. Don't...
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  • Malibu, California

    Paradise Cove via Point Dume

    5.0
    4.74 mi / 338 ft gain
    You will start your beach-hiking to Paradise Cove from Point Dume which is located 20 miles north of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). On PCH, take left on Westward Beach Road and follow it to the end. Try to park as close to the end of the paid parking lot. You can use the automated m...
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  • Malibu, California

    Jim Morrison Cave

    3.2
    1.2 mi / 600 ft gain
    Note: Jim Morrison Cave is closed indefinitely. The bright colors of the Jim Morrison Cave are something to not be missed, and is appreciated by people of all ages. The cave also provides a beautiful outlook of the Malibu canyon, Malibu State Park and the Pacific Ocean. There is a ton of rock ho...
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  • Malibu, California

    Escondido Falls Trail

    4.3
    3.74 mi / 699 ft gain
    This 3.8 mile out-and-back hike takes place on a very easy to use trail. The first 0.75 miles on Winding Way are paved, leading you up to Escondido Canyon Trail. As you head up Winding Way, it’s safest to stay on the side of the road on the dirt. You’ll take this paved road up roughly 200 feet be...
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  • Agoura Hills, California

    Malibu Lake Overlook

    5.0
    4.12 mi / 741 ft gain
    To get to the trail, use the address 27800 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. This will take you to a dirt pull off right off the Mulholland Highway. At the southern part of the pull off, you'll see a dirt path leading up and away from the road. This is the Cistern Trail Trailhead. You'l...
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  • Agoura Hills, California

    Rock Climbing in Malibu Creek

    A great day trip! Referred to by many as the "Yosemite of Southern California," Malibu Creek offers a huge selection of bolted sport routes on generously pocketed volcanic rock. This is the perfect place to bring a first time climber or even your most seasoned climbing buddies. Routes range from ...
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  • Agoura Hills, California

    Malibu Creek Rock Pool

    3.9
    2.04 mi / 105 ft gain
    The trail starts out from the main parking lot past the ranger station at Malibu Creek State Park. Begin hiking west on Crags Road, a well maintained trail that meanders along the creek. As you walk, you'll pass under large oak trees and enjoy expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Aft...
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  • Agoura Hills, California

    Camp at Malibu Creek State Park

    5.0
    Malibu Creek State Park boasts over 8,000 acres of oak woodlands, grassy hills, dramatic peaks and serene meadows. It's an outdoor lover's paradise and only a short drive north from most of Los Angeles. Before it was a park, the land was owned by 20th Century Fox Studios and used in productions...
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  • Ventura County, California

    Hike the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve Trail

    8.6 mi / 1851 ft gain
    The most popular point of entry is through the Victory Trailhead, which has ample parking. You can park on the street or you can pay $3 to park at the trailhead parking lot. You can also enter at the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Trailhead at the northern end of Las Virgenes Canyon Road in Calabasas....
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Cave of Munits

    4.5
    1.53 mi / 299 ft gain
    Are you looking for a hike that offers trail running, scenic views, hiking, and CAVE exploring? This short, but exciting trail leads you on a short 0.8 mile hike to the Cave of Munits. When starting at the main trailhead, El Scorpion Park, take the wide paved dirt road all the way till you get to...
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  • Frazier Park, California

    Hike to Conder Observatory (Mt. Piños) from the Nordic Ski Hut

    3.32 mi / 457 ft gain
    Any drive up the I-405N or I-5N is going to result in some pain: Either you leave early enough to avoid traffic, or you are sitting in some slowness for a while. But once you turn onto Frazier Mountain Road from the interstate, you are in a completely different world. It could be 85° in Los Angel...
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