Chorro Grande Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Chorro Grande is one of the premier trails in the Ojai backcountry. It winds from the upper portion of the 33 roadway along creek and mountain pass to Pine Mountain, where one can camp or visit Reyes Peak. This trail is strenuous but well worth the effort!

No permits are needed for the trail or backpacking along it, but the campgrounds at the very top do require a fee. There are free campgrounds without facilities along the trail itself.

From Ojai, take Highway 33 north 25.8 miles to the Chorro Grande Trail sign. Pay attention to your odometer when leaving Ojai, also slow down when you get to 25 miles out.

From the trailhead, you'll work your way out 1.6 miles through burned out chaparral to Oak Camp. This stretch is a little eerie, but very unique. There is water at Oak Camp most of the year, but not always, so be prepared. At about 2.0 miles continue straight at the junction with Gypsum Mine Road leading west and a trail that least east to Burro Creek.

From here, the trail climbs steeply up to Pine Mountain Ridge. During the winter months, you often find snow towards the top. The top several miles takes you through pine forest, a beautiful shift from the typical chaparral of the area. After 4.0 miles, you reach Chorro Spring Camp nestled among the ponderosa and oak forest. The last 0.8 mile is a sustained steep run up to Pine Mountain Ridge where the trail ends at 5.0 miles. On clear days, you can see some of the Channel Islands, the Sespe backcountry, and the Matilija Wilderness from the ridge.

The beginning of the trail is burned, but uniquely beautiful. The middle and upper portions of the run are dotted with oak and pine trees. In the spring wildflowers (including Matilija poppies) are prominent.