Ojai Valley Trail

The Ojai Valley Trail is a 9 to 10 mile trail that parallels Highway 33 from Foster Park on the outskirts of west Ventura, to Soule Park in Ojai. One side of the trail is paved for bicyclists, walkers, joggers and people exercising their pets. Post-and-rail wood fence separates the paved path from a dirt bridle path for horseback riders. Sections wind through wooded areas and past riverbeds. While most of the path is offset from Highway 33 (the main thoroughfare in Ojai), it does have a number of street crossings. If staying in Ojai and you run or bike, you will no doubt cross paths with this path!

At Foster Park, the Ojai Valley Trail connects with the 6.3 mile Ventura River Trail, which in turn extends to the Omer Rains Trail along the Ventura beachfront.

Ojai Valley Trail near Foster Park

Park View Trail in Dos Vientos Section of Newbury Park

The Park View Trail is a short little 1/2 mile trail adjacent to Dos Vientos Community Park in Newbury Park. There are two main access points. There is a trailhead near the corner of Rancho Dos Vientos and Via Rincon at the southwest corner of the park, and there is another trailhead on Via Ricardo, one block east of Via Pisa.

Views of Dos Vientos Community Park from the Park View Trail.

This short hike is perfect with the kids as it is not too strenuous and is adjacent to the park. Good for a quick getaway. There's also at least one geocache on this trail that's pretty cool.

Moderate trail it is. Not too steep, yet not completely flat.

View of the Edison power lines going up Conejo Mountain from Park View Trail.

Nice quick access to views of the park, Dos Vientos, the Powerline Trail and beyond. And speaking of the Powerline trail, the trailhead is directly across the street from the west end of the trail.

Trailhead on west side of Park View Trail off of Via Ricardo

Interested in other Dos Vientos trails? Learn about the El Rincon, El Cerro and Las Brisas trails and the nearby (access point just south on Via Ricardo) Vista Del Mar Trail.

Fossil Trail Loop Hike in Point Mugu State Park

If you have two to three hours to spare and are looking to do about six miles of strenuous local hiking, consider trying the Fossil Trail loop in Point Mugu State Park, starting at the adjacent Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa managed by the National Park Service in Newbury Park . If you're looking for a FLAT hike, this one isn't for you! Click the image below for detailed information and photos.

Oak Park Community Center and Gardens

Oak Park Community Center and Gardens is located at 1000 North Kanan Road, Oak Park. This is a nicely appointed indoor/outdoor facility with a 2,500 sq ft banquet room with a capacity of 140, a half court gym and recreation room and as you can see in this video, a beautifully maintained pond, waterfall, gazebo and outdoor area.  Plenty of parking available too. More information at www.rsrpd.org/oak_park/community_center/index.php or call 818.865.9304.

Santa Barbara Audubon Aviary

Eyes in the Sky (EITS) is an education program with the Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS) that brings a variety of programs to children and adults in the Santa Barbara area. EITS features wildlife messengers - birds of prey native to the area that are no longer capable of surviving in the wild. 

The SBAS has teamed with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara) to build the Santa Barbara Audubon Aviary, a physical structure located in the "backyard" area of the Museum. The Aviary is open every afternoon between 2 and 4PM. During this time, volunteers bring the birds out for exercise, sunshine, misting/baths and close up encounters with visitors.  We have seen these animals up close and they are quite impressive!

For more information, visit www.eyesinthesky.org.

Kisa the Peregrine Falcon

Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park

Click the image below for information about visiting Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park, just an hour to hour and half boat ride from Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor.

Serra Retreat in Malibu

The Serra Center sign as seen from Pacific Coast Highway

The Serra Retreat is a Catholic retreat and conference center located in the hills of Malibu on a 26 acre knoll, across the street from the Malibu shoreline. The location, since 1943, has welcomed church groups, schools, non-profits and other organizations a quite space for retreats and workshops.

Courtyard area facing the Pacific Ocean

During the week, the public is allowed to visit the grounds between 9 am and 4:30pm for personal prayer and reflection. No reservations are required. You must stop at the guard gate, located on Serra Road at PCH, about a 1/4 mile east of Cross Creek Road, obtain a guest pass, then slowly drive up Serra Road, for about a mile until you seen the turnoff on to the Retreat on the left. The actual address of the facility is 3401 Serra Road, Malibu.

Parking pass received at guard gate

There are no public restrooms at the facility and dogs are not allowed, nor or picnic lunches. This is a place for reflection, not to mention taking in the great views. There are a number of benches to reflect as you look down below as you enjoy paths and walkways and enjoy the gardens and sights. There is also a stone lined labyrinth for walking and reflection. 

Labyrinths are always cool, both to look at and to walk.

You can get married here too, with two locations to celebrate after the ceremony. Capacity is 120 guests.

Learn more at serraretreat.com.

View fullsize

The view is not too shabby either!

Grotto Trail Hike at Circle X Ranch in Malibu

Although it takes a bit of patience getting from the Thousand Oaks area to Circle X Ranch nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu, Sandstone Peak (highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains), the Mishe Mokwa Trail (including the amazing Balanced Rock) and the Grotto Trail make it a worthwhile trek.

The Grotto Trail is a 3 1/2 mile round trip hike from the Ranger Station at Circle X Ranch at 12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu. 

You can park in front of the Circle X Ranch building, then follow the signs down to the Grotto Trail trailhead adjacent to the group campground. Parking is free. There is a restroom and drinking fountain along with maps available. A park ranger may also be on hand to answer any questions.

The mostly single track trail leads you on rolling terrain down to an area called The Grotto, where you will find a creek and, in winter months, a waterfall. The trail is a bit rocky but can be done by most ages. The hills are rolling, the terrain varies with rocks, a areas with steps, etc. There is also ample amounts of poison oak growing on the sides of the trail various section, so do be aware. That said, I've been here several times with the kids and we managed to avert any issues.

Bikes are not allowed on the Grotto Trail. Dogs are allowed on leash, until you reach the streambed at the bottom of the canyon.  Learn more at www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/circlexranch.htm.

Grotto Trailhead sign adjacent to circle X campground

So what makes the Grotto Trail special? Well, you hike down through a canyon leading to the west fork of the Arroyo Sequit. Plenty of shade and views all over. Once you reach the bottom of the trail, there is a creek. You'll hear running water pretty much year-round (though in late summer it can be a trickle). If you keep trekking down the unimproved creek bed, you'll come across large boulders and rock formations down to the "Grotto," a caved area pooled with water. But to get down there is not for everyone. You'll want to have both hands available as you climb down the boulders to the cave below. It is pretty cool though and you can explore without actually getting into the water. Photos below.

About .4 mile into the hike, you'll see see this sign for the Canyon View Trail, which takes you .6 mile up to a small parking area off of Yerba Buena Road (about halfway between Circle X Ranger Station and Sandstone Peak trailhead)

Watch out for the poison oak on the sides of the trail...there's plenty of it but you can avert it if you are aware.

Another sign, the final sign you'll see, .7 miles from the trailhead.

Some nice views of the surrounding canyons and towards Sandstone Peak.

Eventually you'll reach this tree-lined area next to a creek that leads to the grotto area.

Continue your way to the grotto through this unmarked, increasingly rocky section.

For many, this may be the endpoint for your hike once you see these boulders. But there's a path (I won't call it a trail, because it isn't) on the right hand side that, with a bit of patience, will get you to the cave below.

Not exactly easy but do-able. After the boulders there's a dirt path that I slipped on and flew nearly parallel to the ground, landing my lower back on a tree root. I survived but my utterances had to be bleeped out by censors.

View of the grotto cave from the outside. You can go inside there either through the water if you are prepared or through a hole formed by boulders above the cave, which we opted not to attempt. Maybe next time. It is pretty cool in there!

Definitely an interesting place to explore. this is above the cave area. But do watch for snakes and such down here too 

Community Center Park in Camarillo

Community Center Park in Camarillo is home to the administrative offices of the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District, Community Center, Senior Center, classrooms and quite a nice park that is host to numerous community activities year-round. The park is nearly 13 acres and plenty of parking.

Community Center Park is located at 1605 E. Burnley Street in Camarillo. For more information, visit www.pvrpd.org/community-center-park or call 805.482.1996.

Eagle View Park in Oak Park

Eagle View Park is located at 1240 Hidden Springs Avenue in Oak Park, near the very top of Lindero Canyon Road. This is a nice little neighborhood park with a basketball court, bike path, recreational trail, picnic tables and play areas. No restroom though! The park is maintained by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District at www.rsrpd.org.

Play area for bigger kids

Play area for little kids

Recreational trail accessible just southeast of the park

Las Flores Creek Park in Malibu

Las Flores Creek Park at 3805 Las Flores Canyon Road in Malibu is a neighborhood pocket park with on-site parking, picnic tables, restrooms, a small playground, benches, a pedestrian bridge, and over one-third of a mile of walking trails. The park also has over 45 varieties of native plant species and interpretive signage throughout the park with information about the plants, riparian habitat, the creek stabilization project, and the history of the area. More at www.malibucity.org.

Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve in Calabasas

Looking for some good hiking? Click the image below for details about the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve in Calabasas.

Zev Yaroslavsky Las Virgenes Highlands Park in Calabasas

The Zev Yaroslavsky Las Virgenes Highlands Park is located on Las Virgenes Road, just south of Mureau Road and north of Highway 101 in Calabasas. Acquired in 2010, this area includes nearly 200 acres of open space providing a gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains and a welcome site to drivers navigating bottom of the Calabasas Grade on Highway 101.  Stop by sometime and take a hike up the moderately steep path through grasslands and oak trees to catch panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Learn more at THIS LINK.