Ventura River Preserve
Whether nature’s pleasure for you is an invigorating hike, run, mountain bike or horseback ride, the Ventura River Preserve offers nearly 1,600 acres for your enjoyment.
On the west side of the Ojai Valley, the Ventura River Preserve protects three miles of the Ventura River and its surrounding canyons. Diverse topography creates ideal conditions for a variety of plant communities. Steep north facing slopes in Wills Canyon offer refuge for shade-loving plants while chaparral blanketed hillsides are open to summer sun. Pockets of grasslands and meadows offer a colorful variety of spring wildflowers and grasses.
Once the sprawling Rancho El Nido ranch, this land has remained relatively untouched and is a haven for over 300 animal and plant species. The preservation of this property is made even more significant by its location adjacent to the Los Padres National Forest and the Ventura River watershed. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is actively involved with the protection and restoration of the Ventura River watershed, which is the sole water source for the entire Ojai Valley.
A Bit of History
Once habitat to grizzly bears, this property is still home to a variety of wildlife, including black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, badger, coyote and mule deer. Abundant food, shelter, space and water make this a key habitat for local wildlife. In wet months frogs, salamanders and other amphibians live in the seasonal creeks. Birds of prey such as Great Horned Owls and a variety of hawks soar over the oak savanna.
Before building Matilija Dam, significant runs of steelhead trout inhabited this stretch of the Ventura River. During high stream flows, the endangered southern steelhead trout still swim along three miles of the preserve’s property. Protecting the deep pools on this section of the river will play a critical role in steelhead recovery.
The Ventura River Preserve was twice slated to be developed as a high-end community with an exclusive golf course. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy worked tirelessly on a plan to preserve this property. With a grant from California State Coastal Conservancy in 2003, and the generous support of the community, this preserve was protected forever.
How Can I Help?
It takes a community to steward this land. There are many ways you can help us.
Volunteer for preserve patrols, trail maintenance or restoration projects
Leave the land as you found it, leave no trace
Bring a bag to pick up trash left on the trail by others
Call (805) 649-6852 to report emergencies or inappropriate activities If there’s no answer, please follow the prompts on the Preserve Manager’s cell number
Please consider making a donation to the Ventura River Preserve stewardship fund
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Trailheads: Riverview Trailhead, Oso Trailhead, Old Baldwin Trailhead
Trailhead Parking: Yes
Preserve Open Hours
Summer Hours
(April - October):
7:30 am - 7 pmWinter Hours
(November - March):
7:30 am - 5 pm
Public Access: Yes
Recreational Use: Yes
Acreage: 1,600
Guided Hikes: Periodic preserve tours, check events calendar.
Please note: Google Maps shows old roads on this preserve that no longer exist. Please follow the marked trails on our pdf map and trail signs when hiking.
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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.
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
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Explore our preserves
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Valley View Preserve
Rugged trails and spectacular views.
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Ventura River Preserve
Miles of breathtaking beauty.
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Ojai Meadows Preserve
Neighborhood jewel with something for everyone.
what we do
Our mission is to protect and restore the natural landscapes of the Ojai Valley forever.