Ventura to Ojai Paved Bike Path
Ventura to Ojai Paved Bike Path
4.5
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4.5
222 reviews
Excellent
148
Very good
61
Average
8
Poor
3
Terrible
2
TracyB2B
Ventura, CA13 contributions
July 2022 • Couples
Be careful not to park at the beginning of the path in Ventura. We were threatened because the locals did not want us parking on their street. It ruined our whole experience knowing that our vehicle might be hurt. We ended up turning around and ending our ride early. Sad the City of Ventura is putting effort into beautifying the path but it is littered with homeless.
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandra T
Murrieta, CA1,863 contributions
July 2020
We did not go the distance from Ventura to Ojai. We called a bike rental shop in Ojai and were told they could not rent bicycles due to Covid. So we rented bikes in Ventura and started the ride from the pier. We only made it a few miles and turned around because the scenery was so bleak and depressing. On the coastal path there were a few too many inclines, but there was a view of the ocean. We returned the bikes after only 2 hours. I guess we just didn't make it to the "gorgeous" part of the trail.
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Creeping_Death_LA
Los Angeles, CA4,460 contributions
June 2020
We started our ride from the Marriott Ventura and rode 37 miles roundtrip. The path is fun and relaxing because you don't have to worry about too many interactions with cars. It's an easy ride with a slight slope going to Ojai and easy pace and speeding on the way back. We rode on a Sunday and there were many others using the trail. I used my bike bell and horn to let people know I was passing. There are no restrooms but hundreds of bushes and trees.
Written 16 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan H
12 contributions
May 2020
The bike path is great and a fun ride between Ventura and Ojai. Here's the problem... my wife and I had the brilliant idea to rent bikes in Ojai and ride down to Ventura for lunch. We didn't take into account the fact that we are older and in much worse shape than our brains think we are. It was a great day. We laughed a lot at our stupid selves. We had a lot of fun but decided next time we would start in Ventura and ride UP to Ojai for lunch then coast back down after.
Written 27 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScottsdaleDave
Phoenix, AZ103 contributions
Aug 2020
Nice walk. Right next to the road which makes it noisy. Walking trail and horse trail. Lots of bikes but no one hit us, thank goodness. Only walked 1/2 mile but looks like a nice attraction.
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa V
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
Highly recommended! Traversed tree-lined pathways, industrial areas with pumpjacks for oil wells, wooden bridge crossings, rest stops with a restful bench and scenic views, and even chickens, a family of quail, oversized friendly hogs and Clydesdale horse that greeted us at their property lines! Beautiful falling leaves at this time of year. Pleasant trail!
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annette C
Ventura, CA20 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
The trail can start in Ventura or Ojai. My suggestion is to take the bus (#16 bus) to downtown Ojai and ride back to Ventura as it is mostly down hill going to Ventura. Be careful as you can meet critters on the trail. I met a bobcat and he woke up on the wrong side that morning as he hiss at me crossing the path. The ride is fun and enjoyable, away from the main road for most of it and it is quiet and peaceful. Family or solo you will be safe and have fun.
Written 13 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
santamonica811
santa monica5 contributions
July 2017 • Couples
Just did this with my g/f last week, as part of a camping trip to Wheeler Gorge up in Ojai. It is a tiny bit tricky to find the trail's starting point in Ojai. There is a clearly-market location, on the east side of the street. But this is NOT the right place...that is where you would go for a 2-mile (level) ride east, continuing into Ojai.
The correct place is in the Von's parking lot, towards the south, near a breakfast restaurant. Literally just a foot or three from the 33.
From Ojai down to Ventura is about 14-15 miles. Most of it on a very slight downhill, with a few level places along the way, and the final few miles all level. So, a fit 6 year old could do this ride easily, allowing for a few rest stops along the way. For part of the trip, you're next to the highway (but this path is separate, so it's very very safe), for part you're maybe 30-60 metres away, so you can't see the 33 but can hear traffic, and for other parts, you're far enough away that you can't even hear the cars go by.
Lots of dappled sunlight, lots of parts with no shade (don't forget your sunscreen!!!)...a few nice bridges, one or two parks where one can stop for a picnic/rest.
It was *really* pleasant, even with the temperatures being well north of 90F that day. Note that, during the summer, Ojai is at least 15 degrees hotter than coastal Ventura.
The ride took us a bit over 2 hours, but that was with a lunch break, and several stops for me to indulge my photography passion.
We found out in advance that you can ride down into Ventura, and take a bus back. The number 16, I think. $1.50 per person, there is a 3-bike rack on each bus (no extra charge) and it takes you right back to the start of the trailhead. Since we had decided to use the bus, we could burn our extra energy riding around the bike path that hugs the ocean down in Ventura. Note that this bus runs at all times only once per hour. But there is a text number where you can find out when the next bus will arrive at your particular bus stop...a nice feature, if you remember to bring a smart phone.
Since the ride Ojai-to-Ventura was, essentially, all gentle downhill, this (obviously) means that the Ventura-to-Ojai return would be all uphill. For a fit rider, this would be a fantastic workout. But for casual riders, it would be a really really really long slog. Maybe on a nice road bike. But on my heavy hybrid? Would have been unpleasant for me. (Although I am a dedicated and regular casual rider, and not a bike die-hard, so your mileage may vary.)
Highly highly recommended. I am so happy that we decided to bring out bikes on this particular Ojai camping trip.
The correct place is in the Von's parking lot, towards the south, near a breakfast restaurant. Literally just a foot or three from the 33.
From Ojai down to Ventura is about 14-15 miles. Most of it on a very slight downhill, with a few level places along the way, and the final few miles all level. So, a fit 6 year old could do this ride easily, allowing for a few rest stops along the way. For part of the trip, you're next to the highway (but this path is separate, so it's very very safe), for part you're maybe 30-60 metres away, so you can't see the 33 but can hear traffic, and for other parts, you're far enough away that you can't even hear the cars go by.
Lots of dappled sunlight, lots of parts with no shade (don't forget your sunscreen!!!)...a few nice bridges, one or two parks where one can stop for a picnic/rest.
It was *really* pleasant, even with the temperatures being well north of 90F that day. Note that, during the summer, Ojai is at least 15 degrees hotter than coastal Ventura.
The ride took us a bit over 2 hours, but that was with a lunch break, and several stops for me to indulge my photography passion.
We found out in advance that you can ride down into Ventura, and take a bus back. The number 16, I think. $1.50 per person, there is a 3-bike rack on each bus (no extra charge) and it takes you right back to the start of the trailhead. Since we had decided to use the bus, we could burn our extra energy riding around the bike path that hugs the ocean down in Ventura. Note that this bus runs at all times only once per hour. But there is a text number where you can find out when the next bus will arrive at your particular bus stop...a nice feature, if you remember to bring a smart phone.
Since the ride Ojai-to-Ventura was, essentially, all gentle downhill, this (obviously) means that the Ventura-to-Ojai return would be all uphill. For a fit rider, this would be a fantastic workout. But for casual riders, it would be a really really really long slog. Maybe on a nice road bike. But on my heavy hybrid? Would have been unpleasant for me. (Although I am a dedicated and regular casual rider, and not a bike die-hard, so your mileage may vary.)
Highly highly recommended. I am so happy that we decided to bring out bikes on this particular Ojai camping trip.
Written 10 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve D
Trabuco Canyon, CA2 contributions
Mar 2014 • Family
My family with kids aged 8 and 10 set off on this Ventura to Ojai bike path from the first trailhead in Ventura based on the reviews from this site. On the right was a fence with concertina wire protecting dwellings made of rotting tin and other trash. On the left was a ditch with head to toe homeless people. Beyond the poor homeless was the freeway. I didn't realize that this went on for 6 miles (of the 15 mile path). There was no escape had we been attacked. I can't emphasize enough how dangerous and dirty this part of the path was. I would give this bike path a zero however the following day we drove up to the 2nd trailhead at Foster Park and enjoyed the path up to Ojai. So my very strong recommendation is to wait until Foster Park to start the path if you are heading north or stop at Foster Park if you began in Ojai.
Written 23 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shandida72
6 contributions
July 2012 • Couples
My husband and I are renting a beach house on Hollywood Beach. We've had a number of overcast days on the beach and decided to try something different -- rent a bike and ride the Ventura River Trail to Ojai. Here is the brochure: http://www.ventura-usa.com/includes/media/docs/Ventura-River-Trail-Guide.PDF
Bike Rental from Ventura Bike Depot
http://www.venturabikedepot.com/
We rented our bikes from Ventura Bike Depot, which is conveniently located at the start of the Ventura River Trail trail. Our bikes got us there and back, but my husband's bike kept sliding out of gear so make sure you test it before you leave. For a half-day ride to Ojai and back, we paid about $35 each (and we had a basket).
Trail Access
From Ventura Bike Depot, we literally rounded the corner, crossed a street and took a left. Poof. We were on the trail.
Well Maintained
The trail is well maintained, cleared off, few cracks and wide enough for two-person riding. I saw a previous review where someone said it wasn't wide enough, but I disagree. When there was no oncoming bikes, we rode side-by-side.
Scenery and Smells
At the beginning of the trail through Ventura, you ride through industrial truck-loading areas with oil-drilling equipment, and graffiti-covered wastewater facilities (smelly!). I have to admit I was not that enamored with the scenery until we got closer to Ojai. Sorry, but the trail goes through the armpit of beautiful Ventura. There are also some small communities before Ojai where homes are surrounded in garbage, junk cars, etc. That said, there are some beautiful areas and vistas across the ride, as well as many well-landscaped yards and parks.
Friendly People
As we rode past other joggers and bicyclists, everyone, and I mean everyone, smiled and said, "Hello."
Weather
It's fascinating that in Ventura, it can be 66 degrees and somewhat windy, and by the time you get to Ojai, it's 90 degrees and sweltering. Prepare by bringing layers and sunblock -- and lots of water.
Ride - Easy to medium intensity
We were worried about climbing high-incline hills the entire way on our clunky bike rentals, but instead it is a long, easy incline all the way to Ojai. On the way back, you basically don't even have to pedal. I'd say it's an easy-to-moderate ride, and my husband and I are avid road cyclists and mountain bikers.
Overall, we loved having an opportunity to ride to from Ventura to Ojai and back. It's a great community resource and workout. I highly recommend it for tourists and locals alike.
Bike Rental from Ventura Bike Depot
http://www.venturabikedepot.com/
We rented our bikes from Ventura Bike Depot, which is conveniently located at the start of the Ventura River Trail trail. Our bikes got us there and back, but my husband's bike kept sliding out of gear so make sure you test it before you leave. For a half-day ride to Ojai and back, we paid about $35 each (and we had a basket).
Trail Access
From Ventura Bike Depot, we literally rounded the corner, crossed a street and took a left. Poof. We were on the trail.
Well Maintained
The trail is well maintained, cleared off, few cracks and wide enough for two-person riding. I saw a previous review where someone said it wasn't wide enough, but I disagree. When there was no oncoming bikes, we rode side-by-side.
Scenery and Smells
At the beginning of the trail through Ventura, you ride through industrial truck-loading areas with oil-drilling equipment, and graffiti-covered wastewater facilities (smelly!). I have to admit I was not that enamored with the scenery until we got closer to Ojai. Sorry, but the trail goes through the armpit of beautiful Ventura. There are also some small communities before Ojai where homes are surrounded in garbage, junk cars, etc. That said, there are some beautiful areas and vistas across the ride, as well as many well-landscaped yards and parks.
Friendly People
As we rode past other joggers and bicyclists, everyone, and I mean everyone, smiled and said, "Hello."
Weather
It's fascinating that in Ventura, it can be 66 degrees and somewhat windy, and by the time you get to Ojai, it's 90 degrees and sweltering. Prepare by bringing layers and sunblock -- and lots of water.
Ride - Easy to medium intensity
We were worried about climbing high-incline hills the entire way on our clunky bike rentals, but instead it is a long, easy incline all the way to Ojai. On the way back, you basically don't even have to pedal. I'd say it's an easy-to-moderate ride, and my husband and I are avid road cyclists and mountain bikers.
Overall, we loved having an opportunity to ride to from Ventura to Ojai and back. It's a great community resource and workout. I highly recommend it for tourists and locals alike.
Written 14 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FellowTraveler38411
Santa Barbara, California
Do any bike rental places offer shuttle/bike pickup if you can only manage one-way on a bike ?
this would encourage more seniors/less active people to rent bikes!
Written 31 May 2023
We will be in Ventura in October and see there is a detour while they work on parts of the bike route. Is the detour on a road shared with cars the whole way?
Written 21 September 2019
I did. It know about the trail closure when I rode from Ojai to Ventura last Sunday, and did not see any detour signs. I had to backtrack and get on the main road when I came upon the first trail closure. Each time I would get back on the trail I’d come to another gate blocking the trail. I had to ride the 33 on the mountain between casitas springs and foster park where the cars were rushing by going about 60 mph on a curvy downhill mountain. Finally after passing foster park I was able to get back on the trail and finish the ride on the trail.
Written 6 October 2019
I'm in the process of buying an e bike. I currently live in Camarillo, and would like to find other e bikers to ride with.
The Ventura to Ojai Paved Bike Path sounds like a wonderful place to ride. Is there an e bike group that I could join?
Written 7 November 2017
What is the street location to start the bike path in Ventura?
Written 17 July 2015
The bike paths turns into the Ventura Beach Promenade. So you can park on Shoreline near Figueroa or down further east at the parking garage next to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, by the pier and bike along the promenade to the start of the path at the mouth of the Ventura River.
Written 19 July 2015
Are we able to walk some of the path with a stroller or is it strictly for bicyclists?
Written 9 July 2015
Yes you can go with a stroller. But why would you want to? There are much better areas along the beach or Ventura Marina for pushing a stroller. The lower portion of the bike path is along a dry river bank on one side and the freeway on the other. No shade and no amenities.
Written 10 July 2015
Yes, Ventura Bike Depot is right near the beginning of the trail and they have a good selection of bikes. Very helpful folks there when we've just stopped by to bum air for our own bike tires. Try them out.
Written 2 July 2015
Tina H
El Segundo, California
We plan to visit Ventura over Memorial day weekend w/ our kids & do the bike ride from Ventura to Ojai. Is it safe? Concerned after reading the comments about unsavory people hanging out along the way. How far is Frasier Park from downtown Ventura? is best to start there? is it safe and is there good parking?
Written 20 April 2015
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