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

UPP

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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