Dogs Unknown
Features
Views
Overview
This 6.9-mile loop run follows both trail and dirt roads. The 1,420 feet of elevation gain allows for great views of Ojai Valley, giving credence to the "Valley View" name of the surrounding preserve.
Need to Know
The turn for the trailhead is off North Signal Street about 0.8 miles north of East Ojai Ave. It is noticeable by a large water tank at the intersection. The trailhead is about 0.3 miles west of North Signal Street.
Description
This run starts from a trailhead and parking area that services
Pratt Trail (23W09). The Pratt Trail briefly heads west from the trailhead then turns north following Stewart Creek before dipping into Stewart Canyon.
The trail winds up the canyon; be sure to stay on the trail as private properties (with some lovely gardens), dot the path. The trail meets a paved road leading to a gate and the Los Padres National Forest boundary; a nice map/display here can help if you find yourself turned around or keep an eye on the
Trail Run Project mobile app. Continue on the dirt road past the junction with
Foothill Trail, and past Foothill Connector Trail.
At a Y-junction, go right to head west on USFS
Fuelbreak Road Trail. The road dips and rises, eventually delivering great views of Ojai Valley. Continue on
Fuelbreak Road Trail to a gate, vista point, and junction.
At the junction, take a right to head south on
Gridley Trail (a dirt road). Turn right to continue on Gridley Road to the intersection with
Shelf Road. Turn right to follow
Shelf Road west through orange and avocado trees.
Shelf Road also affords great views. At the gate, turn left to run south on North Signal Street to the turn off for the trailhead off to the right.
Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at
The Trailmaster Store.
Flora & Fauna
There are orange and avocado trees on sections of
Shelf Road.
History & Background
The region gets its name from the native Chumash who called it Ojai, meaning "nest". Partially because of its seclusion and vistas, the region is now home to artists, music festivals, health resorts, and spiritual retreats. In 1937, Ojai Valley was also used as the setting for Shangri-La in the movie "Lost Horizon."
Contacts
Shared By:
John McKinney
with improvements
by Ted Kaufmann
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