|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 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 17 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jim on 2/22/2010 I carry a 22 mag pistols just incase if there a mountain lion or big foot or something just for protection. I would go during the weekdays if the trailhead parking is not full, then you know hardly anyones up there. You can't park inside without a sticker or you get towed. Hard to believe Jason took a 1 yr old up there, pretty rugged terrain. 
Reviewed by Daniel on 2/21/2010 Andrea, don't take a group of girls here unless you have adequate security. Look at the review by jason on 2/13/2010. The gang presence is real. I suggest at least 1 semi-automatic firearm with multiple clips and a minimum 50 rounds of ammunition. 
Reviewed by Viewer on 2/15/2010 It was a great hike even though the trail was very hard to follow since it looks like it has been washed away. Water level was a little low but i was refreshing after the long hike. Its easier just to walk up the creek than look for a trail but it was well worth it. No signs of gangs besides grafitti that sometime came in handy when there was no legit trail. well worth it in the end, beautiful!
Reviewed by Andrea on 2/13/2010 Would this hike be safe for a group of teenage girls? Just wondering because of the things about the gangs i have been reading. 
Reviewed by jason on 2/13/2010 OK, SERIOUSLY, STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE UNLESS YOU HAVE AN AUTOMATIC WEAPON, AND YOU ARE STEVEN SEGAL! THE LOCAL "CLUB" THAT WEARS THERE SOCKS UP TO THERE KNEES WAS THERE ON MY FAMILY'S TRIP. ONE OF THE LOCAL "CLUB" MEMBERS PUSHED MY ONE YEAR OLD DOWN WHEN SHE TOUCHED HIS LEG. WHEN I WENT TO GRAB HER, ALL 25 OR 30 OF THEM STOOD UP TO LET ME KNOW "WHAT'S UP"! THAT PLACE NEEDS TO SERIOUSLY BE CLEANED UP.
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 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||