|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: Santa Paula Canyon is one of the best hikes in Ventura County. The trail takes you through picturesque St. Thomas Aquinas College, then along the shady banks of Santa Paula creek with plentiful swimming holes, capped by a spectacular 25 foot waterfall just past Big Cone Camp. Trailhead: From downtown Ojai, drive 11 miles east towards Santa Paula on Highway 150. Park in the trailhead parking on the right side of the road just east of the bridge, across from Thomas Aquinas College. Note that you must walk through a portion of the campus to reach the trailhead. (Lat:34.427571 Lon:-119.089664) Trail Guides for Santa Paula Canyon: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) 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: 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 16 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Ann on 11/9/2009 Hiked this with a group yesterday. WAY more graffitti than even a year ago. Very disturbing but looked past it to the beauty. We went beyond the first punchbowl up to the "cataract," as my friend Donald called it, which is the slides/caves area. The trail past the first punchbowl is tricky. Obviously the hill came down over the trail and so you have to scramble around a bit. It's worth the trouble, tho, as this area is spectacular. We also went up a bit across the huge flat rock area to the left of the slides, along the tiny tributary, and about 5 minutes up this way you have a full view of a waterfall that looks at least 100 feet high, if not more. Though only a trickle, it's mossy and lovely.
Reviewed by MSA on 8/11/2009 Hiked up with my son & one of his friends. Good hike up, and we all agree that it's hard to get lost if you just follow all of the tagging (spray paint). The first falls/swim area was fun and cold, but had a better time at the punch bowl directly above the first falls. Water was plenty deep for even the highest leaps off of the rocks. Couple of suggestions though, take plenty of water, and take an extra pair of shoes like we did. Saw a few people cut or hurt their feet on the rocks while jumping into the water, and it's a fun hike back talking about all the fun you had, IF your feet are dry. Already planning our next trip back.
Reviewed by Conchita on 8/3/2009 This was the first time i had done this hike and it was more work than i was prepared for. The destination and the overall hike is worth it but be prepared with the right shoes, alot of water and know where you are going. I went with a group that had been to the Punch bowls before but met people on the way that took harder trails by accident or did not get to the destination because they got lost. This is a must do hike but be prepared with directions, water and attire. The cold dip in the water and watching the people jump from the cliffs into the pools made it a fun hike.
Reviewed by sam on 7/27/2009 i love this hike but last time the water level was low. does anyone know what the water level is like right now?
Reviewed by TrekkerTed on 7/27/2009 The Spray-paint (Tagging) is so wrong. What a great place to be screwed up like that. The hike is tougher than what is reported. The last mile or more is all bouldering. Takes much longer to get to the punch bowl than you expect. Bring a ton of water and or a Filter. I saw many people go up in some pretty basic athletic shoes, but I was glad I had my boots. Still the spray paint was very disappointing. I might go back with another group of teenage kids. 
Reviewed by Steve on 7/22/2009 It used to be a good place to go. If you go back farther past the water fall and punch bowl and camp sites, further up in the canyon there are more water slides and swimming holes. I used to always take something to sweep the glass out of the slides before my kids could use them. also take a second pair of shorts, the slide will wear through the first pair
Reviewed by KR on 7/16/2009 This is in response to LeoA's comment. I'm a dame. Hiked this with my male buddies and our dogs. No one cried despite the difficulty. Not even me (the dame). Not even after slicing my foot on a rock and hiking back out on it. Everyone can do this, except an old dog who has trouble climbing. Watch out for sharp rocks and glass in the water. 
Reviewed by DR on 7/2/2009 Hikers beware of theft when parking on side of the highway. We had our car broken into for an empty camera case. There's allot of broken car glass on the floor from other victims windows. Other than that it was a great hike, after a big storm a few years back the trail was completely changed and hard to follow, even if you can't follow the trail you should hit the water fall if you stick to the the creek. there will be a major y about 50 yards from the water fall. Stick to the left as you head up stream and you will get there. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||