river parkway the ventura

Co
yo
te
To Upper Ventura River Parkway
& Ojai Valley Trail
Cre
ek
33
150
33
yV
Upper
Big Rock Preserve
LOWER PARKWAY
Rd
Ventura River Park
wa
TO:
Foster Park
big roc
k
a
O
PH
st
erve
s
e
pr
isi
Mile 6
0 09
Vi
Mile 6.5
n, 2
as
Pl a
sit
Foster Park
Trailhead
on
Ca
101
Lower
Big Rock Preserve
33
N
guide to the lower
ventura river parkway
n
Ve
tu
ra
Av
e
Avenue Water
Treatment
Plant
Ojai Valley
Sanitation
Plant
The Ventura River Parkway is a network of parks, open space, and trails that provide opportunities for recreation,
education and stewardship of the Ventura River.
Canada Larg
a Creek
the
ven
tu
Sp rin g St
Brooks Institute of
Photography
Nor wa y Dr
The Ventura River Trail runs from Main St. in Ventura’s historic
downtown to Foster Park 6.3 miles inland. The trail features the
area’s natural and industrial heritage, including an impressive wall
of sedimentary layers exposed by the Ventura River, active and
abandoned industrial sites, and operating oil derricks.
Canada
L a rg a R d
San Buenaventura
Mission Aqueduct
ed
atersh
er w
riv
ra
The Ventura River Trail (1999) and the Ojai Valley Trail (1983) provide a continuous
multi-use paved path along the Ventura River corridor from the beach all the
way to the City of Ojai. The trail follows the route of the old Southern
Pacific Railroad that once transported Ojai Valley produce to Ventura.
The 1969 floods washed out much of the tracks, which were later
converted from ‘Rails to Trails’. Many side trips provide access to the
river and creeks as well as scenic overviews of the watershed.
Mile 5
un
E Bo
d
ds R
O
PH
:
TO
Bu
Re c
Petrochem
Refinery
places to explore
33
if you have 30 - 45 minutes
Cro oke d Pal m Rd
Ln
Frase
r Ln
H o lt
St
McK
t
ee S
r
es D
Mile 4
to
n
N Ve n tu ra
Av e
For more information visit: www.venturahillsides.org
if you have an hour or more
GRANT PARK OVERLOOK
Bard
Barn
For more information visit:
www.parks.ca.gov
ns
A small network of trails on the Ventura Hillsides
Conservancy (VHC) property provides a unique look at the
lower river where it enters the estuary. The rivermouth and
estuary provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Joh
WILLOUGHBY PRESERVE
ventu
ra
riv
On the opposite bank of the estuary
from Surfer’s Point lies the Seaside
Wilderness Park/Emma Wood State
Beach, providing opportunities for
camping, hiking and exploring
the river delta’s coastal dune
habitat. Remnants of a WWIIera artillery gun turret can be
found near the rivermouth.
ary
estu
er
Just a short distance from Ventura’s historic downtown
lies the mouth of the Ventura River. The popular Omar
Rains bike path fronts the Ventura County Fairgrounds at
Surfer’s Point. This path was re-routed in 2011 as part of
an innovative beach restoration project. Nearby parking
provides convenient access to consistent surfing waves.
EMMA WOOD STATE BEACH
s Ln
PHOTO: Pat
r i ck
SURFER’S POINT
abo
Los C
FOSTER PARK
gra
Grant Park lies on the ridge above historic downtown
Foster Park is the gateway to the Ojai Valley, featuring a linear park
Ventura. The landmark Serra Cross overlooks the San
along the Ventura River. The park has restrooms, water fountains
Buenaventura Mission (1782).
Although Grant
and parking and is a popular family spot on weekends. This is a
Park is accessible by car, hikers may enjoy
destination for cyclists from Ventura, or a good starting point
k overlook
r
the easy switchbacks of the recently
for those wanting to ride the Ojai Valley Trail to Ojai.
a
p
constructed Ventura Botanical Gardens
nt
Demonstration Trail that climbs the
MISSION AQUEDUCT
steep grade behind City Hall to the
A visible section of the mission aqueduct still
ridgeline above. Here, one gains an
exists just east of Highway 33 on Canada
expansive overview of the coastline
Larga Road. It is one of the few remaining
and Channel Islands to the south
parts of a seven mile long system that
and the Ventura River watershed
delivered water from San Antonio Creek
and the mountains of the Los Padres
to a filtration plant located at Eastwood
National Forest to the north.
Park behind the San Buenaventura
Mission. The aqueduct was built of river
For more information visit:
cobblestones and cement by Chumash
www.serracrosspark.org
workers under the direction of mission priests.
www.venturabotanicalgardens.com
Sh el l Rd
PHOTO:
Pat r
ic
kJ
oh
ns
n
to
Mile 3
GUIDELINES
Dak
Schoo
For the preservation of natural habitat, protection of wildlife and the safety of all visitors…
o
l Cany
n Rd
St
hone
St
Arap
Barr
Fran
33
De A
nza
y Av
e
Jam
pos
ed)
(pro
ail
e Tr
la n e
ar St
le y A
ve
Dr
Com
eve
er L
Riv
es La
ne
Cam
eron
L e ig
Community Parks & Open Spaces
WV
ince
St
Bike Trail Access Point
WW
arne
River Corridor Access Point
ne S
t
Dr
Dr
E Le
w is S
t
ar S
W Fl
int
hton
Dr
St
El M
e d io
r St
Ced
Conservancy Property (VHC)
Carr
li t e R
d
stock
E Mc
F a r la
Ven
tur
a
Ventura River Corridor
Harry
Lyon Park
EP Foster
Elementary School
Forb
Ln
pos
ct
California Coastal Trail / Anza National Historic Trail
k li n
De Anza
Middle School
Dr
Rock
WM
cFar
y Dr
(pro
s Pro j e
Existing Multi-Use Trail
St
t Tr
ail
Fl a t
Ventura River Bike Trail
es D
r
hone
tree
illa
Mile 2
E St
an
St
or t
:T
PARKWAY LEGEND
Existing Community Bikeway
St
ed)
A
W St
anle
Secondary / Ephemeral Trails
aho
Cam
Shos
Potential Multi-Use Trail (proposed)
ca St
Ced
Sene
s St
eron
Shos
IM
t
Paco
6
t
t
t
Dr
tura river st
ee
ven
l
, 194
ad
he
t
t
t
t
Please stay on marked trails
Please keep dogs leashed at all times and do not allow
them to swim in the river
No fires, fireworks, or smoking, please
No firearms of any kind are permitted
No motorized vehicles or recreational toys
Please exercise courtesy for others at all
times
Carry your cell phone in case of emergency
No overnight camping
Please carry out everything you bring in
(trash cans are located at the trailheads)
Fishing is prohibited due to endangered
steelhead trout
GE
t
t
ota
St
e
St
Landmark / Point of Interest
rs
id
B e ll
Av e
Ri
ve
Gold Coast Transit Stop, Route 6
Kellogg
Park
Gold Coast Transit Stop, Route 16
W Ro
mon
Sheridan Way
Elementary School
River Parkway Trailhead
Park Entrance Station
W S im
p
e St
Parking
Restrooms
N Ol
iv
Picnic Area
W Ce
nt
Camping Area
West Park
Viewshed / Vista Point
W Pr
osp
WM
is s io
Mile 1
St
Grant Park
St
Ventura Botanical Gardens
Demonstration Trail
ect S
t
n Av
e
n Av
e
Father Serra
Cross
P a rk R
o w Av
e
ar S
t
Buena Vista St
ey Rd
San Buenaventura
Mission
Figueroa St
Fir St
E Main St
Mission
Park
Emma Wood
State Beach
Brak
Chestnut St
R iver Tra
il
Gard en St
Olive St
Emma W
oo d
Poli St
Eastwood
Park
Willoughby
Preserve
San Buenaventura
City Hall
Dr
California St
Ortega
Adobe
Willoughby
Trailhead
Ferro
Oak St
33
Palm St
Rex St
Ced
The Anza National Historic Trail follows the California
Coastal Trail through Ventura and commemorates the
1775-1776 Spanish expedition to settle Alta California.
Av e
Summi t Dr
N Ve
ntur
a
California Coastal Trail
to Santa Barbara
son
ogg
er St
WH
a r r is
o
Wildlife Viewing Area
Kell
a St
Plaza
Park
E Santa Clara St
E Thompson Blvd
101
Ventura Amtrak
the
ventura
river
parkway
Ventura River Parkway Brochure.indd 1
E Harbor Blvd
Ventura County
Fairgrounds
WWII
Artillery Site
Mile 0
S h o re
California Coastal Trail
to Ventura Harbor
r
li n e D
Promenade
Park
Ventura
Pier
Surfer’s Point
Park
San Buenaventura
State Beach
North
0
0.125
0.25
0.5 mi
4/2/2013 10:24:54 AM
aR
d
TO
PHO
33
Ojai Quarry
o un
M No
at rth
ili
ja Fo
Cr rk
ee
k
ty
33
co
u
M at
i l i j a Co a l i t i o n
Matilija Dam
150
: Ventura C
guide to
the upper
ventura river parkway
Matilija
Reservoir
33
UPPER PARKWAY
m
am
lija d
i
t
a
of
tilij
sy
Ma
To Wheeler Gorge Campground and
Los Padres National Forest
r te
To Matilija Canyon
Trailhead
Matilija Creek
Cozy Dell
Trailhead
the
ven
tu
Coz
yD
ell
Tra
il
reserve
er p
riv
ra
The Ojai Valley Trail winds 9 miles through wooded areas near the river from
Foster Park to the City of Ojai. One side of the trail is paved for bicyclists,
walkers, and runners. A fence separates the paved path from an adjacent
dirt bridle path for horseback riders. Some sections of the Ojai Valley
Trail parallel Hwy 33, while others wind through wooded areas and
along riverbeds.
The Ventura River Preserve includes three miles of the Ventura
River and over 1500 acres of the surrounding ridges and canyons.
Hiking, horseback and bicycle riding, dog walking, birdwatching,
photography, and just enjoying wild open spaces are among the
many recreational activities the preserve has to offer. The preserve
is one of several areas owned and managed by the Ojai Valley Land
Conservancy (OVLC).
101
PH O
Los Padres National Forest
T
Rd
il
ra
Oso Trailhead
ail
il
To
Downtown
Ojai
Av e
Dr
a Dr
Ri
ve
El C
ami
n
Can
o Dr
S Ri ce Rd
Besan
t Rd
ut
h
Ca m ill e Dr
Oak Grove
School
Ojai Meadows
Preserve
yon
Rd
Cir
on
o St
W Lo m it
a Ave
So
Gree
nC
ha
on Ca na l
Ro bl es Di ve rsi
r
and
Meiners Oaks
Elementary School
rT
ra
il
r Tra
Wes
t
ir
Tra
il
ge Trail
e
eH
t
zS
Wills
Crosso
ver
Oso Rid
Blu
na
blo
ge
G
Mes
Rive
L
N
Ar
WE
l Ro
blar
Riverview
Trailhead
Ventura River
Preserve
L
e
Fern
Ch
t
La
Av
a
un
S Pu
e
rail
Upper Rive
r Loop Trai
d
a
N
l Crest Trail
rra
pa
r
ad
P
os
Trai
l
tto Trail
io
at
N
es
on
Fern Gro
s
re
Fo
any
Or
a
Me
ls C
an
o
Wil
T
ls
ro ve Trail
Fairv iew Rd
El Nid
l
na
Meyers Rd
n Tr
nyo
Ca
Rice
ow
33
ice
NR
Kennedy Rid
ge
Oso Rd
e s D u b lin
TO: L
on
any
c
e
: Le s D u b l i n
OTO
PH
ric
For more information visit: www.ovlc.org
Dr
En
os
ci
n
os
S Ri ce Rd
Hi
Wor m w oo
Del
PHO
TO
:
Ba rb ar a St
Du
b li
n
an
Me
d
Dr
ad
THE VENTURA RIVER PRESERVE
Many miles of trails provide opportunity for exploration within the
floodplain of the river. A loop may be made through the shady oak
woodlands of Rice and Wills canyons, while the more strenuous Oso
Ridge Trail offers expansive views of the watershed and Lake Casitas.
D
r
OJAI BY BIKE
ci
En
a
Mile 10
Vi
Oak View
Community
Center
ar
te
ap
ra
lR
d
SULPHUR MOUNTAIN ROAD
La Cr os s St
Sa nt a An a
Bl vd
Sulphur Mountain Road is an 18 mile out and back fire-road trail that features beautiful
views of the Ojai Valley and out to the Pacific Ocean. The trail is rated as moderate and
primarily used for birding, hiking, mountain biking & walking.
Oj ai Dr
Oak View
Library
M ah on ey Av
e
Prospect St
O ak Dr
Vi
on
Gr
o
Cozy Dell Trailhead is located near Friends Packing House on Hwy 33. The trail offers
scenic views of the Ventura River and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used
for hiking & mountain biking and is accessible year-round. It may be done as a 3 mile
out and back, or one may continue on to the Foothill/Pratt trail above Ojai.
M
ap
a
ev
ine
Rd
Ri
Ch
COZY DELL TRAIL
33
d
Sa nt a An a Blv
W Oa k Vi ew
Av e
FOSTER PARK
Ol
This county park has shade, restrooms, picnic tables and access to the
Ventura River. The large sycamores and flowing river make Foster Park
a popular weekend destination for families and a primary trailhead for
hikers and cyclists using the Ventura River/Ojai Valley Trail.
d
Gr
ad
e
Ku nk le St
Rd
Pa rk Ave
rta
t
lS
ee
Po
Rd
Arnaz
Elementary School
k
La rm ie r Av
e
Sa
k
ree
oC
oni
nt
nA
Cr
Rio Vista
Preserve
S p ri n g
Gr an de Vi
st a St
St
Mile 9
E
O
ld
C
e
re
k
Rd
Steelhead
Preserve
ad
Ro
n
hu
lp
Su
kJ
oh
Spring
s Leve
ric
n
to
Casita
s
Pa t
N ye Rd
e Trail
(propo
sed
)
Mile 8
idge
k br
e
e
City of Ojai: 805-646-5581
City of Ventura: 805-677-3999
County of Ventura, Parks Dept: 805-654-3951
Emma Wood State Beach: 805-968-1033
Friends of the Ventura River: 805-620-7001
Gold Coast Transit: 805-487-2222
Ojai Police Department: 805-646-1414
Ojai Trolley: 805-646-5581 x207
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC): 805-649-6852
US Forest Service: 805-646-4348
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC): 805-643-8044
Ventura County Sheriff: 805-654-9511
Ventura Police Department: 805-650-8010
PHOTO:
Please stay on marked trails
Please keep dogs leashed at all times and do
not allow them to swim in the river
No fires, fireworks, or smoking, please
No firearms of any kind are permitted
No motorized vehicles or recreational toys
Please exercise courtesy for others at all times
Carry your cell phone in case of emergency
No overnight camping
Please carry out everything you bring in
(trash cans are located at the trailheads)
Fishing is prohibited due to endangered
steelhead trout
u r M tn
Rd
san antonio c
r
S u lp h
Sulphur
Mountain
Trailhead
rM
ou
nt
ai
To Upper
Ojai Valley
ns
Confluence
Preserve
For the preservation of natural habitat, protection
of wildlife and the safety of all visitors…
t
CONTAC T INFO
San Antonio Creek
Bridge
GUIDELINES
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
Loma Dr
variable times
Dr
ow
no
lin
Cata
Rd
m
ha
rn
Bu
Rd
Lake
Casitas
t
t
places
to explore
a Rd
eR
d
a
sid
An
er
a
nov
The pedestrian/bicycle path combining the 6.3-mile Ventura River Trail and
the 9-mile Ojai Valley Trail has been named one of the best 15-mile bike rides in
Southern California. The gradual elevation change makes it an enjoyable day trip.
One way trips are made possible by utilizing the bike racks provided by the local bus
service. Many people park at Foster Park for a shorter ride to Ojai and back.
Devil’s Gulch
Riv
nt
150
Mile 11
a Dr
s
Pue
Le
sta
W ill ey St
l
gh
y
lle
Va
d St
illa
WV
Av e
Fo re st Av e
Rd
Oa kc re st Av
e
L
Sa
El Centro St
er
uz
n
wi
ve trail
To Lake Casitas
Recreation Area
33
d
nR
Mile 12
Woo dl an d
Sol
ventura riv
er
p
dwi
ld
Ba
Oak
Ol
d
150
Old Baldwin Rd
Trailhead
er
res
Mile 13
Cr
Bal
ve C
t
Dr
Gro
Ran
150
oS
t
Lower
River
Loop
Trails
To
Downtown
Ojai
Mira Monte
Elementary School
La Pl az a
d
Tico Rd
Al vi ria Dr
Rd
kat
ch R
d
Sho
ac
al
d
nR
a Flo
ra D
r
M
n
Do
yo
Lind
Co
op
er
n
Ca
S La Lu na Av
e
Co
op
er
Fi er ro Dr
33
n
Ra
ch
PARKWAY LEGEND
Rd
on D
r
Casitas Springs
Community Center
Ojai Valley Bike Trail
Ojai Trolley Stop
Existing Multi-Use Trail
Gold Coast Transit Stop,
Route 16
E d is
Potential Multi-Use Trail (proposed)
Secondary / Ephemeral Trails
River Parkway Trailhead
Restrooms
Conservancy Property (OVLC)
Picnic Area
Bike Trail Access Point
River Corridor Access Point
Viewshed / Vista Point
Landmark / Point of Interest
Wildlife Viewing Area
Foster Park
Trailhead
To Lower Ventura River Parkway
& River Estuary
North
0
0.125 0.25
0.5 mi
Ventura River Guide Version 1.1 (April 2013)
Rd
Herald Printing, Ltd
a
Printing courtesy of:
st
Friends of the Ventura River
and Patagonia
Vi
Funding for this project has been provided by:
Mile 6.5
s
The National Park Service
Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program
ta
with assistance from
si
Friends of the Ventura River
www.FriendsofVenturaRiver.org
the
ventura
river
parkway
Ventura River Parkway Brochure.indd 2
Parking
Community Parks & Open Spaces
Camping Area
Ca
Foster Park
Ventura River Corridor
The Ventura River Parkway Trail Guide
was prepared by:
ek
e
Cr
d
Ana R
e
t
yo
Co
Santa
Mile 7
4/2/2013 10:24:58 AM