Far-flung Summer Hikes

Far-flung Summer

Hikes story and photos by PERRY VAN HOUTEN

Recreational areas in Los Padres National Forest made inaccessible during winter and early spring by annual road closures have reopened for the summer hiking season. That’s good news for local outdoor enthusiasts anxious to visit some of the more remote areas of the Ojai backcountry. Here are a few of my favorite far-flung hikes, which I would rate as moderately to very strenuous.

REYES PEAK TRAIL

The nearly 6-mile-long Reyes Peak Trail (23W04) takes you along the north slope of Pine Mountain, through a forest of Je rey and sugar pine, white fi r and incense cedar. An obscure path to the south of the main trail climbs to Reyes Peak, the third highest mountain peak in Ventura County at just over 7,500 feet, and the former site of a fi re lookout tower.

Following the main trail, hike 4 miles to Haddock Peak. The trail then drops steeply to Haddock Camp and the junction with the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail. Water is usually available at the camp, but the creek can be just a trickle or even dry in summer. To get to the trailhead from Ojai, drive 31 miles north on Highway 33 to the turn on for Reyes Peak (aka Pine Mountain) Road. Drive another 7 miles to the start of the Reyes Peak Trail. There are restrooms at the trailhead but no water is available.

Remember to always check weather and trail conditions when planning your excursion. Here are some online resources to help you plan a safe and pleasant trip:

www.weather.gov/lox | www.fs.usda.gov | www.hikelospadres.com

FISHBOWLS-CEDAR CREEK LOOP

Here’s a 14-mile loop that’s easy hiking along Piru Creek until you reach Fishbowls Camp and the series of swimming holes for which the camp is named. Out of camp, the trail climbs steeply to a ridge with great views in all directions. At the 7-mile mark, the Pine Mountain Lodge Trail appears, but you’ll want to head downhill now toward Cedar Creek Camp. Under the towering pines and cedars of the camp, take a break and linger awhile beside the creek. Then it’s time to complete the loop, another 5 miles of level walking back to your starting point at the Fishbowls Trailhead.

To reach the Fishbowls Trail (21W05), take Highway 33 north for 37 miles to Lockwood Valley Road and continue to Grade Valley Road. The paved road soon turns to dirt and takes you about 6 miles to the trailhead.

A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended; 4WD even better, since crossing Piru Creek can be a bit daunting, even in summer.

THORN POINT TRAIL

Only about 3 miles long (though it can feel more like 30), the Thorn Point Trail (21W07) starts at Thorn Meadows Campground and climbs almost 2,000 feet to the old Thorn Point fi re lookout. From there, vistas include the northeast flank of Pine Mountain, the Sespe watershed and out to the Pacific Ocean.

To get to the trailhead, follow the same directions as the drive to the Fishbowls Trailhead, but go a few more miles toward the campground. When I last visited Thorn Meadows in June of 2020, the road was washed out and impassable just north of the campground. If that’s still the case, park o the road and enjoy a little extra hiking.