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Rose Valley Falls


Highlights:

Spectacular 300 foot waterfall, lovely creek, easy hike
Near:Ojai, CA
Scenery:
Distance:1 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:300 ft
Hike Time:1 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: This relatively easy hike takes you to the base of the two tier 300 foot high Rose Valley Falls. The trail follows Rose Creek for a pleasant half mile before the upper falls come into view, with water cascading over a sheer sandstone cliff. The trail takes you to the base of the lower falls, with water trickling in ribbons through the moss covered cliff. A number of side trails lead up to the base of the upper falls, but these routes are very steep and exposed in places, so use extreme caution if you decide to try this.

I did this hike during a rather dry March, and although there was water coming down the lower falls, I could not see any water on the upper falls. I imagine that this waterfall must be a stunning spectacle a few days after a rain storm.

Also consider also hiking the Piedra Blanca Formations if you are in this area

Trailhead: From Ojai, drive 15 miles north on Highway 33 to the Rose Valley turnoff and make a right. Continue 3 miles to the Rose Valley Campground turnoff and make a right. Park at the end of the road, about a half mile up near the trailhead sign (Lat:34.53181 Lon:-119.18315)
Trail Guides for Rose Valley Falls:
Day Hikes in Ventura County California
by Robert Stone  (Day Hike Books)

California Hiking
by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown  (Foghorn Press)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses
Ranger Contact: Las Padres National Forest, (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 Lalo Gamboa on 1/20/2010
Go on youtube and search for "rose valley falls" A guy actually filmed it at full flow and they are SPECTACULAR!!

Reviewed by ggc on 7/10/2009
Hiked yesterday with some kids visiting from Arizona. They had never seen anything so awesome, even though the falls were not much more than a trickle. Stopped at lower as much to dangerous to proceed with youngsters. I followed a trail off to the left of the falls but it soon disapated. Is there a trail that leads to the upper or are you forced to rock climb to get there?

Reviewed by Rich on 6/30/2009
This is for anyone wanting to climb the upper falls, on Dec. 26, 1976 I had a friend that tried to climb it and fell approx. 200 feet to his death. I and two other guys witnessed this and even though I now am a firefighter in Medford MA for the last 20 years this is the most tramatic thing I have ever witnessed. To my good friend Royce you will never be forgotten.

Reviewed by tony on 2/20/2009
best camp site ever snow was kool today.

Reviewed by jesse on 2/20/2009
The cave is at the bottom of the falls. Some water flows through it. When you approach the base of the falls at the end of the trail(you'll have to rock hop) you will see a small hole, if you go around the left side you will find the entrance, it doesn't look like much but once you're inside there are two levels and a few chimneys you can climb into. It's a little wet sometimes. The snow was great up there today!!

Reviewed by Rose on 8/12/2008
This is definitely one of our favorite places to go and relax especially when there is no one else there. We've never attempted to go up to the upper falls since we have a 40lb dog with us but we hope to some day without our dog. It looks very steep and i've seen a couple people miss a step and rocks came tumbling down.. Definitely go to the upper falls with caution especially for the people below. I'm still having trouble finding the "cave" on the lower fall.. is it hidden? The walk up the trail to the lower fall is very easy, quiet, and the trees overshadowing the trail provide more than enough shade for a breezy walk up to the falls.

Reviewed by christy on 5/10/2008
The "easy" hike is just the beginning and only takes you to the lower falls, there are two trails leading up the cliffside, (both can be strenuous) and they take you to the top of the lower falls, and on to the base of the upper falls. There is another very difficult trail that climbs the cliffside to the top of the upper fall. (do not attempt that hike without proper equipment and a climbing-partner!) Everything is beautiful, Few people know about the cvae that goes under the lower fall... complete with mini formations... the upper falls have all sorts of holes and crags to explore.

Reviewed by phuddy on 5/3/2008
This is one of my favorite hikes - easy and fun!! I recommend during the winter - I've been when it's totally frozen. I would go anytime - I haven't done the upper falls ever. Can take dogs - three stream crossings. I've never seen lions?Wonderful hike - nice drive there. It's right next to three other hikes or so in the Sespe. Worth going to see those traiheads, if you have the time:) The ranger at Wheeler Gorge is a gem, and very knowledgeable (he's only there on the weekends, I believe).


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

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