VALLey view preserve

The Valley View Preserve’s rugged foothills provides one of Ojai’s most scenic backdrops. Situated between the Los Padres National Forest and downtown Ojai, this preserve encompasses 195 acres of land and offers numerous hiking trails. The exposed southern slopes of the preserve are covered in chaparral, while pockets of ferns and lichen covered rocks can be found in shaded wooded areas. Steep climbs up John’s Fox Canyon and Luci’s Trails provide breathtaking views of the valley and there’s ample opportunity to see wildlife and wildflowers blooming in the spring.

PRESERVE MAP

A GIFT to the community by the community

Thanks to an outpouring of community support, the Valley View Preserve was purchased in 2013 by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy.

In December of 2017, the Thomas Fire raged around the Ojai Valley, burning this entire preserve. Altered wildland fire regimes are one of the most prominent consequences of climate change. A clearly defined wildland-urban interface, such as Shelf Road, dramatically simplifies the community response to major wildfires. This community scale buffer zone has been used by firefighters to protect the town of Ojai on multiple occasions and protect this land forever. It also provides close recreational opportunities, connecting us to the vast Los Padres National Forest.

John’s Fox Canyon Trail

John’s Fox Canyon Trail travels one mile up an 800-foot climb with stunning views of the valley all along the way. At the top of the trail, head west on Foothill Trail and connect to Pratt Trail, or go east on Foothill Trail and connect to Luci’s Trail to return to Shelf Road. You can also continue onto Fuelbreak Road to explore the Los Padres National Forest.

GRIDLEY TRAIL Loop

Looking for a longer trek? Hike 1.33 miles up John’s Fox Canyon Trail to Fuelbreak Road. Head east on Fuelbreak Road, which will turn into Fuelbreak Road Trail. After 1.75 miles, you’ll connect to Gridley Trail. Head south on Gridley Trail for 0.42 miles towards Gridley Road. A short walk down the road takes you to the Shelf Road Trailhead. From here, head west on Shelf Road for 1.51 miles to bring you back to this kiosk.

TAKE LUCI’S TRAIL

Luci’s 0.75-mile trail is short and steep, but worth every rock step. With plenty of switchbacks on the climb, your heart and lungs will get a good workout. At the top of the trail, continue west on Foothill Trail then John’s Fox Canyon Trail to complete a loop back to Shelf Road, or continue onto Fuelbreak Road where you can explore more trails in the Los Padres National Forest.

OVLC Trail Building Program

The trails on Valley View Preserve were built, and are maintained, by volunteers who love to work and play outdoors. If you would like to become a volunteer please get in touch with us.

Public Access: Yes
Recreational Use: Yes
Trailhead Parking: Some
Preserve Open Hours
Summer Hours (April - October):
7:30 am - 7 pm
Winter Hours (November - March):
7:30 am - 5 pm
Preserve Policies: Please consider parking at the Pratt Trailhead and walking in from Signal Street to Shelf Road to access the Fox Canyon Trailhead.
Acreage: 195
Guided Hikes: Periodic Preserve Tours, check events calendar.
Help respect and protect this preserve by staying on the trails and observing these guidelines:
Take all trash and belongings with you
Always keep dogs on leash
Clean up after yourself and dogs
Bike bells are required
Class-1 E-bikes are allowed on OVLC trails. Class 2 and 3 are not allowed on OVLC trails.
No horses allowed at this preserve
Stay on marked trails
No smoking or fire of any kind
No motorcycles or motorized vehicles
No drones
No weapons
No camping
Do not disturb or feed wildlife
No collecting or handling of plants, animals, or minerals
No barbecues, coolers, chairs, or shade structures
No external audio or Bluetooth speakers
No alcohol or illegal drug use
No hunting
No digging or building
No dumping
Wildflower Guide
Bird Guide