Trail Updates

Stay up-to-date on trail and safety updates, if you have specific questions, please reach out to OVLC headquarters.
If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 911.

MEASURES IN EFFECT

MEASURES IN EFFECT

9/15/2025: Trail Update

Ventura River Preserve – OPEN

Valley View Preserve – OPEN

Ojai Meadows Preserve – OPEN - Partial Closure
We’re excited to announce that construction starts this Wednesday, September 17, on the expansion of our native plant nursery. This project will increase our capacity to grow native plants that will be used in our efforts to restore the Ventura River Watershed and provide plants for the community’s rewilding needs throughout the Ojai Valley. Work is expected to be done by early winter 2026. The trail entrance leading to the nursery, along with the same portions of trail that connects over to the Lomita Entrance, will be temporarily closed during construction. The other entry way on Besant Rd. and the Lomita entrance, along with the parking spots on Besant Rd., will remain open for use and access to the preserve.

EMERGENCIES & INCIDENTS

If you observe any rule violations, unusual wildlife behavior, or concerning activities on the preserve, please report them to help protect the public, community, wildlife, and our cherisehd open spaces.

EMERGENCIES: For emergencies and life-threatening situations, please dial 911.
NON-EMERGENCIES: For non-emergencies, please contact the Ventura County Sheriff at (805) 646-1414 or email us at info@ovlc.org.

Why do we close the trails when it rains?

We close the trails when they are wet for the safety of users and to prevent the negative impacts soil displacement can have on the trail tread and the surrounding environment. Please respect trail closure signs and do not enter preserves when posted. Thank you.

How do we determine how long the trails are closed for after rain?

The duration of a trail closure is determined by the amount of rainfall we receive.

1/4" rain = 1 day of closure

If other factors are present, like severe trail damage that deems the trail unsafe for users, then the trail closure will be extended until the proper repairs are completed.

Trail Safety & etiquette

Ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone

Trail
Management

Optimizing trail experiences

River Stewardship

Protect the resources you love

Rice Canyon Gates

Every spring, cattle graze on the US Forest Service land in Rice Canyon, and the bovines would like us to remind everyone to please close the Rice Canyon Trail gates when you go through them—even if the gate is open when you get to it. Keeping the gates closed helps keep the cattle off of the preserve and near their ‘Cows Only’ water tank. Thank you!

Explore our preserves