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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a very enjoyable, but somewhat strenuous hike located near the picturesque town of Ojai. The trail starts out along the banks of beautiful Thatcher Creek, with several crossings, then heads upwards almost 1800 feet to a shady pine studded campsite with spectacular views. Recommended. Trailhead: Take highway 33 north from highway 101 in Ventura. Stay on Highway 33 until it turns off from highway 150. Then bear right and take Highway 150 (Ojai Ave.) east through the city. Once outside town, turn left on Reeves road. Follow Reeves about a mile to McAndrew Road and make another left, following the signs for Thatcher School. Another mile up the road, take the road into the school grounds. Stay to the right and follow the signs to the gymkhana field. Park near the fire gate at the trailhead. (Lat:34.46282 Lon:-119.17779) Trail Guides for Horn Canyon: On The Trail - Malibu to Santa Barbara by Cathy Philipp (Cathy Philipp Publishing) Day Hikes in Ventura County California by Robert Stone (Day Hike Books) Best Seasons: Spring, Winter, Fall User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses Ranger Contact: Ojai Ranger District, 805-646-4348 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Alex D on 2/19/2013 Hiked this yesterday 2-18-2013 with family. Over cast and cool weather conditions. Perfect in my book, though our view of the valley was hindered by haze. Took our 5 kids, ages 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17. It was a piece of cake for them. Harder for the hubby and I. We made it to the Pines in 2 hours with no real breaks in between. Very little to no water in the streams this time. Our first time on the trail was in April 2012. And there was much more water. No snakes and no ticks were encountered either time. 
Reviewed by 6Spades on 2/5/2012 Hiked this canyon yesterday (2-4-12) with my husband and a our 4 kids b/w ages of 3-6. Great hike for the family. Crossed the creek 3 times. Stopped at the 3rd crossing to play in water and eat. I'm guessing the steep part begins right at that crossing because up to that point it was pretty easy, and all of my kids walked it w/out complaint. The trail seems to shoot straight up after that point. Didn't see any ticks or snakes but lots of Poison Oak, and some of it drifting onto trail.
Reviewed by JB on 11/26/2011 Just hiked/jogged this trail today. Four stream crossings. Very well maintained and hiked trail. Plenty of water for the dog to cool herself in the streams. Depending on fitness level and willingness, can do this trail up and back in 2 hours hiking and jogging with a rest at the top.
Reviewed by Micheal on 4/4/2011 Just did a overnight Sat 4-2-11 from Middle lion through lion canyon and down to the pines campground for the night. Then out through Horn canyon to the car parked at Thatcher School. We left middle lion at 730am. made it to the pines by 4pm and didn't see a single person on the entire trail. It was a little difficult and long. But it was well worth it! Lots of snakes. we saw a Big Rattler on the trail and a beautiful scarlet king snake just off the trail in a bush. Make sure you ware long pants and check your self for ticks. So parts of the trail are a little over grown and with the recent storms a little rocky. All in all I had a great time and would totally recommend this trail! Now go out there and see something!!!
Reviewed by Brian on 1/22/2011 I grew up in Ojai and moved to Alaska 35 years ago. I never hiked much in the 21years of livinf there. On a visit to my folks my sister and I hiked up to the Pines, on up to Topa Topa, then on across to the lookout and down Foothill. It was a nice long walk that took most the day. The view was great as always when you get up high. Bring plenty of water and a nice lunch and enjoy the day.
Reviewed by Jeff on 1/5/2011 Hiked this today (1/5/10). Simply stunning and the campsite at the end is so worth it. I am not an avid hiker - and I found parts challenging. A killer workout - both physically and spiritually.
Reviewed by Chrlyn on 1/2/2011 Our go to trail fit a local workout hike, yesterday (1-1-11) trail and creek crossing were in excellent shape. + views to the islands and the valley. - Tons of ticks and rattlesnakes, saw one on trail even this deep in winter. A few tiny patches of ice were spotted. This is a hike that's best in winter as the damp Keeps the trail from being too loose a slippery.
Reviewed by Pumpkin on 12/8/2010 Hiked it today Dec. 8th, 2010. Spectacular as always! To clarify, from the Thacher school trailhead it's 4 miles up to the "road". You can cross the road and continue on the trail another 1 to 1 1/2 miles or so to get the wilderness views on the other side (where the trail meets the road again and ends.) I did this hike ten years ago with my favorite person, Pumpkin the poodle. We started out for a leisurly stroll up the canyon and just kept going. One of my favorite memories with my best friend, Pumpkin. There's just something special about this canyon. But previous comments are correct. After the Pines, the next 1 1/2 miles to the road is a butt buster for sure. The top, well, it makes it all worth it! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Ventura County Hiking, Ventura County Trails, Ventura County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
