Ojai Valley Trail:
California
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
A favorite among rail-trail enthusiasts, the Ojai Valley Trail extends about 9.5 miles north of Ventura from Foster Park in Oak View to the southwestern outskirts of Ojai. Combining this trail with the Ventura River Trail, which extends southward from Foster Park, makes for a memorable, lengthy rail-trail experience.

The smallest city in Ventura County, Ojai is located in the scenic Ojai Valley, surrounded by the peaks of Los Padres National Forest. The city has long been known as a haven for artists, musicians and outdoor enthusiasts. The Chumash Indians were the first known residents of Ojai, and the town's name derives from their word for moon, "A'hwai."

The Ojai Valley Trail follows the former Ventura and Ojai Valley Railroad and runs along the Ventura River into the valley. This is a gorgeous ride, providing sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. This trail is more rural than the Ventura River Trail to the south, especially where it moves away from State Route 33. There is a gradual uphill grade as you make your way north from the Foster Park trailhead.

The trail is paved and in generally good condition, with a parallel woodchip path for equestrians. Near the 2-mile mark, you pass through an oak grove and then cross a low-lying cement-and-railroad-tie bridge that spans a creek at its confluence with the Ventura River. The trail section close to the bridge is sandy and may be underwater during heavy winter rains. Continuing north, the trail crosses several driveway entrances and roads. Between Loma and Hermosa roads, near mile 7, a sturdy shade structure framed by two large oak trees is equipped with a bench and recycling bins.

At the 8-mile mark, the trail crosses the major intersection of Routes 33 and 150. Cross carefully here and pick up the trail on the other side of Route 150. At mile 9, you pass through grassy Libby Park, which offers parking, restrooms and access to a trail leading to downtown Ojai. You might want to time your visit to coincide with the Ojai Music Festival, which takes places at the Libby Park Bowl amphitheater in early June. Libby Park also hosts a number of free summer concerts.

... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Foster Park trailhead, from downtown Ventura, take Highway 33 heading north. Exit Highway 33 at Casitas Vista Road. Turn right on North Ventura Avenue, and then right again on Casitas Vista Road. The entrance to Foster Park is on the north side of Casitas Vistas Road. Parking is available here.
... Click to read more
Seasonal Restrictions:
The trail can be used year-round, but the portion of the path that crosses the Ventura River may be flooded during and after winter and spring rains.
... Click to read more
Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
Construction Until April 2012
By fiedlerrides in October, 2011
There is construction on the trail until April so it is closed (heading North) from @ Nye Road to East Old Creek Road. You can cut out to the 33 and then get back to the trail by going down a rock/dirt road across from East Old Creek Trail. But beware, both our riders (and a few others) got flat tires either from the glass and rocks on the 33 or on the dirt road. Make sure to have a pump and patch kit, or catch the trail a bit North of this point and avoid the closed area. Other than that the trail itself is well maintained and a fun ride!
Make it a 40 miler
By amp in November, 2009
If you start at Sanjon rd. in Ventura, park next to the Pierpont Inn, you can hook up with the trail via the beach bike path. You will have to take a short street path under the 33 fwy and past the Vons market. The path then follows the 33 up into Ojai. It is just under 20 miles to Boccali's restaurant located at the far end of town, E. Ojai rd (150) and Reeves rd.

Bring cash because they don't take credit - found out the hard way. If you go during the tomato season, their tomato and basil pizza is outstanding.

After the pizza you can take a quick nap in the lawn area next to restaurant and then head on back to Ventura.
Ventura River Trail
By Noel J. Keller in November, 2006
"VENTURA RIVER TRAIL
The description in the R to T California Guidebook was helpful in locating the parking lot for the trail on the South side of Main Street just west of Hwy 33 overpass, (my GPS- N34.28131 W119.30630 at 56‘ MSL.) Bike lanes are wide on Main. The trail surface is in fine condition, and there are numerous cyclists and walkers for a Friday mid afternoon ride with a nice tailwind to peddle upgrade to Foster Park at N34.35217 W119.30684 227’ MSL and return. The pictures I have posted will give some details."
Browse Trails by Activity: