NorthNorth
riverparkway
theventura
0 0.125 0.25 0.5 mi
101
33
E Main St
N Ventura Ave
E Thompson Blvd
E Santa Clara St
Shoreline Dr
W Stanley Ave
Poli St
Ced
ar S
t
Cal
ifo
rnia
St
Ch
estn
ut
St
Fir
St
Oak
St
Palm
St
Gar
den
St
Oli
ve S
t
E Stanley Ave
W Romona St
W Warner St
W Flint St
El Medio St
W Vince St
W Simpson St
W Center St
Kellogg St
33 Buena Vista St
N V
entu
ra A
ve
N O
live
St
Bell Ave
W Prospect St
W Harrison Ave
W Mission Ave
Rivers
ide S
t
Forbes Lane
W McFarlane Dr
E Lewis St
Carr Dr
Leighton Dr
E McFarlane St
Cam
ero
n S
t
James Dr
Comstock Dr
Rocklite Rd
Franklin Ln
Barry Dr
Pacos St
Shoshone St
Cam
ero
n S
t
Arapaho St
Seneca St
Ced
ar S
t
Shell Rd
School Canyon Rd
Dakota Dr
Cro
oke
d P
alm
Rd
Barnes Dr
McKee St
Holt St
Fraser Ln
Bard Ln
Los Cabos Ln
E Bounds Rd
Spring St
No
rway
Dr
Canada
Larga Rd
Casitas Vista Rd
33
33
E Harbor Blvd
Shoshone St
De Anza Dr
N V
entu
ra A
ve
Park Row Ave
Ferro Dr
Rex St
Summit Dr
Brakey Rd
Fig
uer
oa
St
Emma Wood River Trail
Emma Wood State Beach
Ventura CountyFairgrounds
Surfer’s PointPark
PromenadePark
VenturaPier
West Park
HarryLyon Park
Foster Park
To Upper Ventura River Parkway& Ojai Valley Trail
MissionPark
Sheridan WayElementary School
EP FosterElementary School
De AnzaMiddle School
PlazaPark
San BuenaventuraState Beach
Grant Park
Brooks Institute ofPhotography
PetrochemRefinery
San BuenaventuraMission Aqueduct
Father SerraCross
WWIIArtillery Site Mile 0
Mile 1
Mile 2
Mile 3
Mile 4
Mile 5
Mile 6
Mile 6.5
OrtegaAdobe
Vent
ura
Rive
r Lev
ee T
rail
(pro
pose
d)
Ceda
r Str
eet T
rail
(pro
pose
d)
Avenue WaterTreatment
PlantOjai ValleySanitation
Plant
Coyote Creek
Ventura Botanical GardensDemonstration Trail
San BuenaventuraCity Hall
California Coastal Trailto Santa Barbara
California Coastal Trailto Ventura Harbor
WilloughbyPreserve
LowerBig Rock Preserve
Upper Big Rock Preserve
KelloggPark
WilloughbyTrailhead
Foster ParkTrailhead
Canada Larga Creek
Ventura Amtrak
EastwoodPark
San Buenaventura Mission
PARKWAY LEGENDVentura River Bike TrailExisting Multi-Use TrailCalifornia Coastal Trail / Anza National Historic TrailPotential Multi-Use Trail (proposed)Secondary / Ephemeral TrailsExisting Community Bikeway
Ventura River CorridorCommunity Parks & Open Spaces
Bike Trail Access PointRiver Corridor Access Point
Conservancy Property (VHC)
Landmark / Point of Interest
Gold Coast Transit Stop, Route 6Gold Coast Transit Stop, Route 16
River Parkway TrailheadPark Entrance StationParkingRestroomsPicnic AreaCamping Area
Viewshed / Vista PointWildlife Viewing Area
150
101
33
33
LOW
ER P
ARKW
AY
ventura river parkwayguide to the lower
The Ventura River Parkway is a network of parks, open space, and trails that provide opportunities for recreation, education and stewardship of the Ventura River.
The Ventura River Trail (1999) and the Ojai Valley Trail (1983) provide a continuous multi-use paved path along the Ventura River corridor from the beach all the way to the City of Ojai. The trail follows the route of the old Southern Paci!c Railroad that once transported Ojai Valley produce to Ventura. The 1969 "oods washed out much of the tracks, which were later converted from ‘Rails to Trails’. Many side trips provide access to the river and creeks as well as scenic overviews of the watershed.
The Ventura River Trail runs from Main St. in Ventura’s historic downtown to Foster Park 6.3 miles inland. The trail features the area’s natural and industrial heritage, including an impressive wall of sedimentary layers exposed by the Ventura River, active and abandoned industrial sites, and operating oil derricks.
places to explorei f you have 30 - 45 minutes
SURFER’S POINTJust a short distance from Ventura’s historic downtown lies the mouth of the Ventura River. The popular Omar Rains bike path fronts the Ventura County Fairgrounds at Surfer’s Point. This path was re-routed in 2011 as part of an innovative beach restoration project. Nearby parking provides convenient access to consistent sur!ng waves.
EMMA WOOD STATE BEACHOn the opposite bank of the estuary from Surfer’s Point lies the Seaside Wilderness Park/Emma Wood State Beach, providing opportunities for camping, hiking and exploring the river delta’s coastal dune habitat. Remnants of a WWII-era artillery gun turret can be found near the rivermouth.
For more information visit: www.parks.ca.gov
WILLOUGHBY PRESERVEA small network of trails on the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) property provides a unique look at the lower river where it enters the estuary. The rivermouth and estuary provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
For more information visit: www.venturahillsides.org
For the preservation of natural habitat, protection of wildlife and the safety of all visitors…
Please stay on marked trailsPlease keep dogs leashed at all times and do not allow them to swim in the riverNo !res, !reworks, or smoking, pleaseNo !rearms of any kind are permittedNo motorized vehicles or recreational toysPlease exercise courtesy for others at all timesCarry your cell phone in case of emergencyNo overnight campingPlease carry out everything you bring in
(trash cans are located at the trailheads)Fishing is prohibited due to endangered steelhead trout
i f you have an hour or moreGRANT PARK OVERLOOKGrant Park lies on the ridge above historic downtown Ventura. The landmark Serra Cross overlooks the San Buenaventura Mission (1782). Although Grant Park is accessible by car, hikers may enjoy the easy switchbacks of the recently constructed Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail that climbs the steep grade behind City Hall to the ridgeline above. Here, one gains an expansive overview of the coastline and Channel Islands to the south and the Ventura River watershed and the mountains of the Los Padres National Forest to the north.
For more information visit:www.serracrosspark.orgwww.venturabotanicalgardens.com
GUIDELINES
FOSTER PARKFoster Park is the gateway to the Ojai Valley, featuring a linear park along the Ventura River. The park has restrooms, water fountains and parking and is a popular family spot on weekends. This is a
destination for cyclists from Ventura, or a good starting point for those wanting to ride the Ojai Valley Trail to Ojai.
MISSION AQUEDUCTA visible section of the mission aqueduct still exists just east of Highway 33 on Canada Larga Road. It is one of the few remaining parts of a seven mile long system that
delivered water from San Antonio Creek to a !ltration plant located at Eastwood
Park behind the San Buenaventura Mission. The aqueduct was built of river
cobblestones and cement by Chumash workers under the direction of mission priests.
The Anza National Historic Trail follows the California Coastal Trail through Ventura and commemorates the 1775-1776 Spanish expedition to settle Alta California.
ventura river steelhead, 1946 IMAGE: Tortilla Flats Projectventura river estuary
PHOTO: Patrick Johnston
gran
t park overlook PH
OTO
: Patrick Johnston
big
rock
preserve PHOTO: Ventura River Parkw
ay Vision Plan, 2009
the ventura river watershed
PHOTO: BuRec
Ventura River Parkway Brochure.indd 1 4/2/2013 10:24:54 AM
LakeCasitas
PARKWAY LEGENDOjai Valley Bike TrailExisting Multi-Use TrailPotential Multi-Use Trail (proposed)Secondary / Ephemeral Trails
Ventura River CorridorCommunity Parks & Open Spaces
Bike Trail Access PointRiver Corridor Access Point
Conservancy Property (OVLC)
Landmark / Point of Interest
Ojai Trolley StopGold Coast Transit Stop,Route 16
River Parkway TrailheadParkingRestroomsPicnic AreaCamping Area
Viewshed / Vista PointWildlife Viewing Area
Casitas Vista Rd
Santa A
na R
d
Santa Ana Blvd
Burn
ham
Rd
Gra
pevi
ne R
d
Rive
rsid
e Rd
Chaparral Rd
Santa Ana Rd
Los E
ncinos R
d
Oak
Gro
ve C
t
Lin
da
Flo
ra D
rMacD
onald D
rCooper C
anyon Rd
Blue Heron Cir
Shokat Dr
Ran
ch R
d
Edis
on
Dr
Ranch Rd
Nye R
d
Cree
k Rd
Mahoney Ave
W Oak View Ave
Kunkle St
Larmier Ave
E Old
Cre
ek Rd
Grande Vista St
Spri
ng
St
Portal S
t
Park Ave
Old G
rade Rd
Santa Ana Blvd
Pro
spec
t St
Mon
te V
ia
Rio V
ia
Ojai Dr
La Cross St
Oak
Dr
Willey St
Barbara St
Pues
ta D
el S
ol
Cat
alin
a D
r
Oak
cres
t A
ve
Wormwood St
S R
ice
Rd
Encino D
r
Highland Dr
W Villanova Rd
S R
ice
Rd
S La
Lu
na
Ave
Woodland Ave
Forest Ave
La P
laza
Valley Meadow Dr
Meyers Rd
Oso
Rd
N Rice Rd
Fairview Rd
N La Luna Ave
W El Roblar Dr
Fernando St
Mesa Dr
W Lomita Ave
N Arnaz St
S Pu
eblo
Ave
El Camino Dr
Cruz
ero
St
Tico
Rd
El C
entr
o S
t
Lom
a D
r
Bes
ant
Rd
Camille Dr
Alviria Dr
Fierro Dr
Old
Bal
dwin
Rd
Sulphur Mtn Rd
Baldwin Rd
Coop
er C
anyo
n Rd
Matilija Rd
33
33
150150
33
33
33 150
MatilijaReservoir
To Lower Ventura River Parkway& River EstuaryFoster Park
Los Padres National Forest
ArnazElementary School
Ventura RiverPreserve
Ojai MeadowsPreserve
ConfluencePreserve
SteelheadPreserve
Meiners OaksElementary School
To Lake CasitasRecreation Area
Mile 7
Mile 8
Mile 9
Mile 10
Mile 11
Mile 12
Mile 13
Mira MonteElementary School
Oak GroveSchool
Oak ViewCommunity
Center
Casitas SpringsCommunity Center
Oak ViewLibrary
Coyote Creek
Casi
tas
Spri
ngs
Leve
e Tr
ail (
prop
osed
)
To UpperOjai Valley
Rio VistaPreserve
San Antonio Creek
ToDowntown
Ojai
North Fork
Matilija Creek
To Wheeler Gorge Campground andLos Padres National Forest
Robles Diversion Canal
Cozy Dell Trail
To Matilija CanyonTrailhead
Sulp
hur M
ount
ain
Road
Mile 6.5
Kennedy Ridge Trail
Oso Trailhead
Ojai Quarry
Rice Canyon Trail
Wills Canyon Trail
Chap
arral Crest Trail
Oso Ridge Trail
Ora
nge
Gro
ve T
rail
Upp
er R
iver
Loo
p Tr
ails
RiverviewTrailhead
El Nido Meadow Trail Fern Grotto Trail
Sout
h Ri
ver T
rail
Wes
t Ri
ver
Trai
l
Gre
en C
hair T
rail
LowerRiverLoopTrails
WillsCrossover
Old Baldwin RdTrailhead
Devil’s Gulch
San Antonio CreekBridge
Los Padres N
ational Forest
ToDowntown
Ojai
Foster ParkTrailhead
SulphurMountainTrailhead
Matilija Creek
Matilija Dam
Cozy DellTrailhead
North
0 0.250.125 0.5 mi
riverparkw
ay
theventura
150
101
33
33
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ventura river parkwaythe upper
The Ojai Valley Trail winds 9 miles through wooded areas near the river from Foster Park to the City of Ojai. One side of the trail is paved for bicyclists, walkers, and runners. A fence separates the paved path from an adjacent dirt bridle path for horseback riders. Some sections of the Ojai Valley Trail parallel Hwy 33, while others wind through wooded areas and along riverbeds.
The Ventura River Preserve includes three miles of the Ventura River and over 1500 acres of the surrounding ridges and canyons. Hiking, horseback and bicycle riding, dog walking, birdwatching, photography, and just enjoying wild open spaces are among the many recreational activities the preserve has to o#er. The preserve is one of several areas owned and managed by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC).
For more information visit: www.ovlc.org
variable timesTHE VENTURA RIVER PRESERVE
Many miles of trails provide opportunity for exploration within the "oodplain of the river. A loop may be made through the shady oak
woodlands of Rice and Wills canyons, while the more strenuous Oso Ridge Trail o#ers expansive views of the watershed and Lake Casitas.
OJAI BY BIKEThe pedestrian/bicycle path combining the 6.3-mile Ventura River Trail and
the 9-mile Ojai Valley Trail has been named one of the best 15-mile bike rides in Southern California. The gradual elevation change makes it an enjoyable day trip.
One way trips are made possible by utilizing the bike racks provided by the local bus service. Many people park at Foster Park for a shorter ride to Ojai and back.
places
GUIDELINESFor the preservation of natural habitat, protection of wildlife and the safety of all visitors…
Please stay on marked trailsPlease keep dogs leashed at all times and do not allow them to swim in the riverNo !res, !reworks, or smoking, pleaseNo !rearms of any kind are permittedNo motorized vehicles or recreational toysPlease exercise courtesy for others at all timesCarry your cell phone in case of emergencyNo overnight campingPlease carry out everything you bring in
(trash cans are located at the trailheads)Fishing is prohibited due to endangered steelhead trout
Vent
ura
Rive
r Gui
de V
ersi
on 1
.1 (A
pril
2013
)
COZY DELL TRAILCozy Dell Trailhead is located near Friends Packing House on Hwy 33. The trail o#ers scenic views of the Ventura River and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used
for hiking & mountain biking and is accessible year-round. It may be done as a 3 mile out and back, or one may continue on to the Foothill/Pratt trail above Ojai.
SULPHUR MOUNTAIN ROADSulphur Mountain Road is an 18 mile out and back !re-road trail that features beautiful views of the Ojai Valley and out to the Paci!c Ocean. The trail is rated as moderate and
primarily used for birding, hiking, mountain biking & walking.
FOSTER PARKThis county park has shade, restrooms, picnic tables and access to the Ventura River. The large sycamores and "owing river make Foster Park a popular weekend destination for families and a primary trailhead for
hikers and cyclists using the Ventura River/Ojai Valley Trail.
City of Ojai: 805-646-5581City of Ventura: 805-677-3999
County of Ventura, Parks Dept: 805-654-3951Emma Wood State Beach: 805-968-1033
Friends of the Ventura River: 805-620-7001Gold Coast Transit: 805-487-2222
Ojai Police Department: 805-646-1414Ojai Trolley: 805-646-5581 x207
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC): 805-649-6852US Forest Service: 805-646-4348
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC): 805-643-8044Ventura County Sheri!: 805-654-9511
Ventura Police Department: 805-650-8010
CONTAC T INFO
guide to
matilija dam PHO
TO: Ventura County courtesy of Matilija Coalition
the ventura river preserve PHOTO: Les Dublin
vent
ura
river
preserve trail PHOTO: Les Dublin
ric
e canyon PHOTO: Les D
ublin
san
anto
nio
creek bridge
PHO
TO: Patrick Johnston
Ventura River Parkway Brochure.indd 2 4/2/2013 10:24:58 AM