Hikes in Ojai
The city of Ojai lies on the southern edge of Los Padres National Forest, and there is great hiking in the green mountains around the city. Route 33, Mariposa Highway, heads north of Ojai into the breathtaking mountains, offering a scenic drive with numerous hairpin switchbacks. Along the way, there are several places to hike and camp. The largest campground in the area is Wheeler Gorge with seventy sites and a pleasant one-mile loop trail. The tallest waterfall in the Los Padres, the two-tier 300-foot Rose Valley Falls, is located three miles off Route 33 and is easy to get to from the campground. East of the waterfall is Sespe Wilderness, where backpackers can trek to more remote locations, including Willett Hot Springs.
An adventure pass may required for visits to Los Padres National Forest. Day passes cost $5 and an annual pass is $30. The passes may be purchased within the park, at various local retailers, and online. The passes are valid at other national forests in California as well, like Angeles National Forest.
Hikes in Los Padres National Forest near Ojai
 | Horn Canyon Trail This 2.9-mile hike in Ojai goes up a canyon in the frontcountry of the Topatopa Mountains and ventures off trail along the soothing waters of Thacher Creek. |
 | Rose Valley Falls This 1-mile round trip trail leads to the lower tier of this two-tier 300 foot waterfall. From there one can scramble off trail to the much taller upper tier. |
 | Santa Paula Canyon Trail to the Punchbowl This 8-mile hike ventures up rugged Santa Paula Canyon to a waterfall and a Punchbowl of pools and cascades in Santa Paula Creek by Big Cone Camp. |
 | Sespe Creek to Willett Hot Springs This 19-miles round trip follows Sespe Creek to a relaxing hot springs. |
 | Sisar Canyon Trail This 5.5 to 6.5-mile hike travels up a canyon to a viewpoint in the Topatopa Mountains between Ojai and Santa Paula. |
 | Wheeler Gorge This 1-mile loop explores the forest around this 70-site Campground. |
