|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 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 fjones71 on 2/8/2010 I have been to Santa Paula Canyon many times, this was by far the best hike. We started out on 01-23-2010 about 7:30AM from the parking lot. The creek was very full, near death full. Ice was ground, snow was on mountains. We made it back to the Jackson Falls area. I have to say I have never seen the canyon quite like I did that day. Pictues can seen: http://staplescenter.smugmug.com/Nature/Punch-Bowls/Santa-Paula-Creek-01-23-2010/11044069_GPshy Both upper and lower Jackson Falls were flowing very fast. You can read more about the hike from our blog: http://vccanyoneering.blogspot.com/ You can see video on youtube, search: fjones71 Frank A. Jones
Reviewed by Viewer on 1/28/2010 Just finish hiking about halfway up and decided to turn around, trails are not well maintain heavy undergrowth from recent rains a good workout, need better hiking boots will try later again.
Reviewed by Bill on 1/23/2010 I would rate this hike 5 stars but for the graffiti. It is a great place to go. A word of caution, be careful of the poison oak. Here's a video I took: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Yu0XDECyc 
Reviewed by K.K. on 12/27/2009 For the first few miles, graffiti covers rocks about every ten feet. I saw a dirty diaper within inches of the creek and the first waterfalls/swimming holes have tons of graffiti on the surrounding rocks. Things you might want to bring on this hike include guns and pepper spray in case you run into hostile gang members. Also, if you park at the trailhead, you are likely to have your car broken into. Idiots have littered the swimming holes with shards of glass to cut the feet of any unsuspecting swimmers, so I guess wear shoes when you go swimming. I have hiked EVERY single trail in the Sespe wilderness, and this is one of the most beautiful and most destroyed places I have seen in the entire Los Padres Forest. It was ruined 4 me...
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? 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
