Hike the Rose Valley Falls Trail
Hike the Rose Valley Falls Trail takes first place on the list of best things to do in Ojai. Ojai, surrounded by rippling peaks, rugged canyons, and ancient oaks, has some stunning hikes. The hike to Rose Valley Falls is one of the most beautiful and popular. This 1.1-mile out-and-back hike in the Los Padres National Forest is suitable for the whole family, except for small children (it is not stroller or wheelchair accessible). Dogs on leashes are also welcome.
The approximately 40-minute drive from downtown Ojai to the trailhead, which meanders through canyons and along curving mountain roads, is equally beautiful and longer than the hike itself. To avoid paying a fee, park outside the Rose Valley Campground's gates. You'll cross several small streams and hop across logs before arriving at the falls, a slender veil of water cascading between vibrant moss-cloaked rocks. You can climb inside the waterfall through a cave or cool off in one of the pools here.
The trail is best hiked in the spring. The meadows are dotted with wildflowers, and the falls are gushing with winter and spring rains. Summers are typically hot and dry, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Weekends are naturally busy during peak season.
When it comes to Ojai outdoor activities, this is one of the most rewarding. Even if you feel like you're deep in the wilderness, restrooms are close to the trailhead. Hikes in the Los Padres National Forest include the Matilija Creek Trail and the Piedra Blanca Formations Trail, as well as the Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springs and the Pratt, Foothill, and Fox Canyon Trails Loop.
