Ojai Ranger District
The Ojai area includes the Matilija Wilderness and part of the Sespe Wilderness. The Sespe Creek Wild and Scenic River crosses this area.
Passes & Permits
An Adventure Pass is needed to park at the Piedra Blanca Trailhead. The Adventure Pass is sold at most Big 5 Sporting Goods stores and other outdoor recreation stores in Southern California. The campgrounds on the Ojai Ranger District are managed by the Parks Management Management Company for the Forest Service. Fees for campsites are $30/night. More information about the Parks Management Company. Reservations are highly recommended for weekends, holidays and summer months. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov.
Recreation Sites
Chorro Grande - 23W05
Site Open
Chorro Grande Trail (23W05)Length: 5.1 milesDifficulty: moderately difficultTake Highway 33 north 25.8 miles to Chorro Grande Trail sign at mile marker 36.60. Hike 1.7 miles to Oak Camp where there…
Cozy Dell - 23W26
Site Open
 Cozy Dell Trail (23W26) Length: 1.9 miles Difficulty: moderateThe trailhead is located 3.3 miles north of Ojai and .1 mile south of Friends' Ranch Packing House. Do not park in the parking lot of…
Dough Flat Trailhead - Alder Creek Trail
Site Open
Updated 11/1/2023 - The Dough Flat Trailhead/Alder Creek trail is open. The Dough Flat Rd is open all the way up to the Dough Flat TH.General information: There is access to the Dough Flat Trailhead…
Holiday Group Campground
Site Open
The Holiday Group Campground is located off Highway 33, north of Ojai at the bottom of a heavily shaded Live Oak canyon. It is located one mile north of Wheeler Gorge campground. The campground is…
Howard Creek - 22W26
Site Open
Howard Creek Trail (22W26)Length: 2.8 milesDifficulty: moderateTurn right on Rose Valley Road and drive .4 miles and park on the right. The trail starts on a dirt road behind a locked gate. This is…
Jacinto Reyes National Scenic Byway
Site Open
The Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway traverses the Ojai Ranger District and part of Mt. Pinos Ranger District of the Los Padres NF and is entirely within Ventura County. The byway is bordered by 30 miles…
Johnston Ridge - 20W12
Site Open
Johnson Ridge Trail (20W12)WILDERNESSLength: 9.5 milesDifficulty: northern section moderate, southern section difficultThe trailhead is near Mutau Flat, located on the Mt. Pinos Ranger District.…
Lion Canyon - 22W06
Site Open
 Lion Canyon Trail (22W06) Length: 5.5 miles Difficulty: easy for first 2 miles, then moderately difficultDrive 14.8 miles north of Ojai on Highway 33. The trail starts at the back of Middle Lion…
Lower Rose Valley Lake Day Use Area
Site Open
Lower Rose Valley Lake is a major attraction during the summer months on the Ojai Ranger District. It is located 4 miles off of the Sespe River Road, also known as Rose Valley Road.  Access to the…
Matilija Creek (Upper North Fork)
Site Closed
There are four undeveloped, primitive campgrounds along the trail. Murietta Camp is east of Matilija creek approximately .5 mile up Murietta Canyon. Matilija Camp, Middle Matilija, and Maple Camp are…