Ojai has a reputation for having many hiking trails that let you experience life outdoors. However, to understand its beauty, you have to see the city firsthand by visiting in person. Once you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by nature and green mountains that will destress you as you hike.
Whether you are just getting started with hiking or have a ton of experience, there is a one-day trail for everyone in Ojai. But, of course, some people want to make more out of it than just a one-day trip, and that’s fine because you can go to any campsite in the area and put up your tent to stay outdoors overnight.
Before you start your hike in Ojai, this guide will go over the best trails available for your skill level and all the information you need to know to stay safe and have the best time possible.
If you can, venture into Ojai itself and experience the beauty and tranquility of this California town.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
Best Ojai Hiking Paths
1. The Horn Canyon Hike
Horn Canyon Trail is ideal for those who are new to hiking and just want to do it as a way to uncover new places that are off the grid.
The trail was not difficult to spot. It begins close to a private school in Ojai known as Thacher School. When you arrive, you’ll see a booth with a poster that reads “Horn Canyon Trail 22W08.”
It’s big, so not easy to miss. After hiking for over a mile, there will be several creeks and a scenic viewpoint of the Ojai valley.
Continuing further up the trail will take you to a thick forest that leads to a canyon. You can choose to go back and find another trail or keep pushing on to experience the canyon’s beauty.
The trail takes approximately 2 hours and covers nearly 3 miles roundtrip. All skill levels are welcome, whether you are a hiker, biker, or pet. There will be a parking area with plenty of space for your car or trailer.
Address: Thacher Road and Forest Route 5N10, Ojai, CA 93023.
2. Shelf Road Trail
Shelf Road Trail is another beginner-friendly hiking route for all skill levels. You can get through it quickly while enjoying the majestic views of Ojai.
To find it, go north, approaching Ojai Ave but ensure you are on Signal Street. When you reach the end, the beginning of the trail will be visible. The length of it is approximately 3.6 miles roundtrip, and most hikers take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to complete it.
As you are hiking this formerly abandoned trail, you will see a shelf near the north end of Ojai Valley. On both sides, there will be orange and avocado trees that you can pick fruits from if they are in season.
The Shelf Road trail will present views that will remain ingrained into your mind long after you complete it. When visiting, make sure you do it between March to October to get the best hiking weather.
Address: Shelf Rd, Ojai, CA, 93023.
3. Sulphur Mountain Trail
If you have the endurance level for a lengthy hike, Sulphur Mountain road is the one for you. You’ll be able to walk for miles on this trail surrounded by mother nature’s gifts to humanity.
Despite being a longer hike, all skill levels are welcome to try. Our only suggestion is to bring enough water and supplies because you will walk 10 miles, which will take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours to complete. The one thing we can promise if you commit is breathtaking views, and if you make sure to go on a cloudless day, the Black Mountains will be visible.
The road will also take you near Oxnard and Venture, where you can see California’s cleanest beaches. And if you like animals, expect to see deer, bears, and bobcats. While it’s exciting to see them, always stay alert.
To get to Sulphur Mountain Road, head 9 miles towards the central Ojai near Highway 150. Stay in the highway’s right lane until you see a place you can turn into, which takes you to the trail entrance.
Please remember that it will take 5 miles to see that entry. The maximum elevation will be approximately 2600 feet until you start hiking down the road to reach 400 feet.
Lastly, you can feel safe if you bring your children. You will spot the Girl Scout headquarters nearby, so it’s a kid-friendly area.
4. Rose Valley Falls Path
After trying Sulphur Mountain, this is the second-best easy trail your kids will love because they can swim, and the gorgeous trees will astound you.
This trail is also a great place to start before making your way to other more complicated nearby ones. The latter is ideal for water lovers and fishermen who want to catch fresh-tasting fish.
There is something for everyone in your family to love when hiking this trail. The extra perk is that the track is approximately 13 miles away from Ojai, so your commute will be accessible in a car.
5. Pratt Trail
Pratt Trail is another unforgettable trail that lets you see natural landmarks most tourists won’t go out to find. Try this trail if you are an intermediate-level hiker with some experience. However, if you plan it right and are extra careful, a beginner might be able to complete it safely.
To find it, turn onto Ojai Avenue, then drive north until you see Signal Street. Keep going until you hit 1.5 miles, and there will be a poster put up by the Forest Service rangers here with the trail on the left.
You must walk half a mile to get to the trail’s entrance. The total length of it from start to finish is 4.5 miles and ends at Nordhoff Peak. While walking, be extra careful because you will be near private properties and don’t want to get in trouble.
By the midpoint of this trail, you will see a pristine water stream. Use this location to rest quickly and wake yourself up by putting water on your face before continuing to the next stop, Nordhoff Ridge.
You will know you are nearby when signs start to appear until you get to the edge with nowhere else to go. Then you walk straight for two extra miles, and the scenic view from Nordhoff Peak will be worth the trek at an elevated height of 4426 feet.
6. Cozy Dell Trail
You should only try this trail if you are a hiker with experience and know how to take care of yourself in a survival situation. The path begins close to a creek then you make your way up until you hit the highest elevation level at 600 to 640 feet. Your reward for dealing with this minor obstacle is to see a canyon filled with bright wildflowers and a forest with pine trees.
Choose a sunny day to get the best views of Santa Cruz. As you progress towards your destination, you will get more views of the Ojai Valley than you’ve ever seen before. Once you get to this checkpoint, you can return if you are tired or resume your journey to Coze Dell Creek. It has a beautiful spot for picnics that you can go to.
To try Cozy Dell Trail, head north from Central Ojai and up the Maricopa Highway. Next, make a left near a place called the packing house that leads to Friend’s Ranch. If you stop your car and look in the opposite direction, the trailhead will be there.
7. Gridley Trail
Gridley Trail requires you to be in serious shape because it will challenge you physically, so having experience is also a must. To get to the entrance, drive your car starting at Ojai avenue and make your way to find Gridley Road.
The trip to the entrance is two miles long, driving 50 to 60 miles per hour. When you see the Hermitage Rank entrance, you’ve officially reached the starting point of Gridley Trail. This trail is 1,200 feet high at the top, so you are in for a challenging hike.
The first step is to locate a vertical track near a small creek and climb it to the top. You can believe us when we say you’ll be rewarded for your struggles when you get a look at the panoramic view of the Ojai valley.
When you’ve finished your pit stop, keep moving on the trail. You will eventually reach an area with oak trees, wildflowers, and a small mountain you can use for another decent photo opportunity. The most relaxing aspect of this hike is the sound of the waves nearby because the stream flows all year round.
Now you will be at the end of the Gridley Trail, and you can continue on other trails nearby or head back to your vehicle.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has filled you in on the best hiking trails in Ojai for all skill levels. No matter the difficulty, each of these will reward you with beautiful views and a chance to connect with nature on an adventure you will never forget.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.