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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a good hike, and you don't have to be in the best condition. You get some great backcountry views, some peak vistas, and some great overlooks from unnamed saddles. On clear days, you get some amazing looks at the Channel Islands. You don't actually summit Reyes Peak, unless you continue off the right branch of the road. It is very close to the trailhead, and the peaks along this trail have numbers rather than names. But, the trail is lushly shaded most of the way, so even when it is very hot out, this hike is pleasant. There is a nice forest covering on the trail, which makes this hike perfect for dogs, and you may even get the chance to scope out an endangered California Condor. I have friends that have seen them in the campground. Looking into the Piedra Blanca and the Sespe Wilderness is breathtaking; the mountainsides are rippled and beautiful. You don't have to have a destination on this one, just turn around when you feel like it. Trailhead: From Ventura - take the 33 North, stay on the 33 and watch for it to branch when you reach the quaint town of Ojai. You have to make a left after the grocery store and strip mall, and watch to stay on the 33. Continue North for about 30 miles. Turn right at the signed road Pine Mountain. There are two campgrounds that fill up during weekends, but are fair game during the week. Drive to the end of the road and park - then start hiking. You'll follow the dirt road for a bit until it branches on your left. Take the high road and the left branch. The road closes during the winter, and when there is snow. (Lat:34.63515 Lon:-119.29041) Trail Guides for Reyes Peak: Best Hikes With Dogs - Southern California by Allen Riedel (Mountaineers books) Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Los Padres National Forest (805)968-6640 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Kimberly M on 9/17/2009 Really enjoyed this hike on 9/5/09 with my husband and will definitely hike this trail again. Trail is shaded and on the ridgeline overlooking the Ojai valley to the west and Frazier Park to the east. Air was crisp and clear and we could see across the valley to the Channel Islands. Trail head is located 40+ miles outside of Ojai on the 33, then turn at Pine Mountain Ridge Road. It is there that the adventure begins as the next seven miles to the trail head are on a narrow road, washed out in many places, so be prepared for a bumpy ride with shear drop offs on the valley side. Worth the effort. We will be back.
Reviewed by RidgeHiker on 5/28/2006 I hiked this a few years ago, and remember it being a beautiful hike. The views are outstanding. Today, I set out to hike the trail, but due to high winds, ended up hiking the lower "road" for a mile or so. It was nice, but not as nice as the trail. A few tips - the road is rough in spots - high clearance definitely recommended. And the campsites are out of this world - if you're lucky enough to snag one, you will have a great time. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||