What a beautiful relaxing place! We only visited the gardens but did not attend any event or…read moreretreat. The gardens are beautiful and lush, and we spent about 30min doing the walking loop. It's so calm and an ideal place to practice mindfulness and meditation. I'm curious now about the events and will look into staying overnight one day!

Very late post I went back in '21 and I had been wanting to go since '14. I read about it on a…read morenewsletter and pinned to go one day. I didn't do my homework so of course the first time i went to it was closed and the second time i ended up going to an outdoor sunset concert in the garden so i still haven't really been for meditation lol i follow you guys on the socials so i am planning to return a third time. Ojai over all is a beautiful little town and this place is the icing on the cake picture attached and from my trip back in 21.

Another TikTok adventure that was 100% worth it. We got there at 10am and didn't make it back to…read morethe car until 5pm. Definitely not an easy hike -- tons of river crossings, climbing over rocks, and I was already dirty within the first 10 minutes. There were multiple moments where I questioned my life choices crossing cold water and trying not to slip. But man... once we got there, it made everything worth it. The views, the water, the whole experience felt unreal. It's one of those hikes that actually feels like an adventure instead of just a walk. Exhausting but so fun, and I'd 1000000% do it again.

Quite a breath taking experience. The punch bowls alone made the entire rucking experience worth…read moreit. The black diamonds and other markers definitely made it easy to navigate without the "AllTrails" app. Bring multiple pairs of socks... please. You WILL cross rivers/streams

Beautiful views and worth the 7.25 mile round trip hike. It was about 2.45 h in and 2.5 h out…read more Plenty of arrows to help lead the way. If you can weather the whole hike up to the punch bowls, you won't regret it! Lots of maneuvering rocks and it can get sketchy at some times. But there are plenty of families and furry friends that take this hike so that should give you an idea about difficulty. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen and you will be fine. You might step in some water crossing a pond or two so bringing an extra pair of socks wouldn't be a bad idea either. Have fun and don't leave your trash behind!

DO NOT LET YOUR DOGS GET IN THE WATER AT THE START OF THE TRAIL!!!!! I'm not sure how it is further…read moreup, but we got in the water as soon as we could, and our three dogs immediately covered themselves in thick tarry oil. We had to rush to the nearest park bathroom and scrubbed them as much as we could, but it ruined a bunch of clothes and towels, and I'm worried for their health after watching them drink some of the water and try to lick themselves clean. There needs to be some sort of warning sign about the oil in the water.

Ventura County has a few Landmarks. Two Trees, the San BuenaVentura Mission and the Ventura Pier to…read morename a few. One the most distinguished is the looming mountain range visible from all points north of the Grade, known as the Topa Topa Bluffs. The granite cliffs mark pronounced diagonal etches across the mountains face. Often when one thinks of going to the mountains, these are the mountains one had in mind. Usually when venturing into the Los Padres National Forest the highest Mecca available is Reyes Peak atop Pine Mountain road, and that is where we often end up. Indeed Reyes Peak is a sight to behold, and arguably one of the best campsites in the tri counties. But to truly reach "those mountains" the Topa Topa Bluffs, you have to do your homework. You cannot simply drive up the "33" and get there like you can with Reyes Peak. Access is available by permit only, through the Ojai Ranger station. The road to the bluffs is OHV access only; therefore a locked gate bars access from the general public. The ranger district only allows 15 vehicles up per day. Unbelievably, after roaming these mountains for decades, I had never been to the Bluffs. But a year ago, I did some research and found the way to get to the Bluffs. Once I had my permit, and access code, I headed into the forest. Arriving at the gate, I felt like a kid with a backstage pass to Disneyland. As I unlocked the gate, headed thru and locked from behind, I felt the puzzled stares from other less fortunate campers. They didn't have access! Huahhhh...Hauuhhhh! Only I did, I alone had domain over this sacred land! Sorry, back to reality. I engaged four wheel drive, and proceeded to tear up the road. There are miles and miles of off road travel to be enjoyed, steep ascents, and uneven road abound. Off the main road it splits to the left or right. To the right the road leads to a old fire watchtower. Convivebly you could camp here, but there is one site with a fire ring and bench a few miles before you get to the tower. Taking the road to the left your journey hugs the mountain edge then dips into the valley for unspoiled views of Pierda Blancas, and Rose Valley Lake. Once on the mountain edge the road ends at a trail head that will take you directly to the Topa Topa Bluffs. A mile before the road ends there is the one singular campsite. From the site, you have clear views of the Oxnard Plain, the Ojai Valley, and the Bluffs themselves, so close you can make out the diagonal ruts visible form the city. On May 23rd 2008 I visited the Bluffs for the second time. The weather did not cooperate and while we did stay the night, the temperature stayed at an icy 36f degree. Visibility was only 15-20 feet, so we did not get the views I have loved. I cannot wait to return. The solitude of the place inspires meditation, with only 2 campsites off the entire road, you can be assured privacy and silence. Just you and the bluffs.

Great views. We climbed up the Pratt Trail which gave us great views all the way up. Be sure to…read morelook for the geological stamp while you are up there . Views are spectacular. You can see the Channel Islands and Topa Topa on a clear day. Breath taking. We took the Gridley back and that was a nice and less steep trail back down.

I turned on Google navigation, but it led me to a completely wrong mountain road. I wandered around…read morein the mountains for about 20 minutes before finally getting out, so I just came back home. If you plan to go, make sure to double-check the route at least once before heading out.

Site #3 - the picnic table and fire pit are on the other side of the bike trail. Some got it and…read morerode on, other cyclists thought it was for their use. There is a large rock formation 10 feet from the pit that people kept bringing their kids to play on. They need to move the table and pit, then it would be a great site.

My husband Matt B. and I spent our twelfth anniversary in Ojai, away from our kids and dogs. We…read morewoke up from an uninterrupted night of sleep with no one to take care of, and used that surplus of time and energy for a morning hike at the Valley View Preserve. I'm a reluctant hiker, but I admit that it can be nice to go outside, especially if it makes your husband happy. This was a lovely hike, scenic and mostly relaxing. We didn't go as far as we could have, but we made it pretty deep, hiking at a leisurely pace for a little under two hours. It was peaceful, with great views, and we got ideal weather. A very Southern California paradise kind of morning. The trail was rocky and sometimes slippery, so I'd recommend hiking shoes if you have them. I wore my regular sneakers and almost slid to my demise a couple times. It would've looked bad for Matt if I'd died in a hiking accident on our anniversary. My friends would've been like, "Steph doesn't even hike." I'm glad we visited the Valley View Preserve and would recommend it to anyone looking to enjoy some outdoor time in Ojai. The trails are easy enough for a novice level hiker. Just bring water and good shoes and maybe a spouse who doesn't want to kill you.

The hiking trail is located near the end of signal road, and make sure you don't park at permitted…read moreresidential area. I've learnt that Ojai Valley Land Conservancy has protected open space through direct ownership and conservation agreements, and found the hiking very rewarding with specular valley view.

Two friends recommended a stop to stretch the legs on a road trip at Nojoqui Falls. I'll…read morerecommending you do the same. Pulled in around 1pm on a Sunday and was able to secure parking in the shade. Lots of good signage marking the way, many advising caution, but it's an easy hike. There were a fair amount of people enjoying the space. I'd love to comeback early in the morning after the rain and just hold space in solitude with the falls. It seems like a very sacred space and would love the silence of just the falls and the song of the wind dancing through the trees as it meanders through the canyon. Great vibes, everyone in a good mood, dog friendly! A+++++

My husband usually finds hiking spots when we're on getaways and he stumbled upon this area while…read moreresearching. It's a pretty easy hike and mostly flat terrain and minimal incline. Other hikers were there too but it wasn't crowded which is a plus. The falls wasn't huge but still a good amount of running water. It was beautiful and relaxing soaking in some mother nature. Keep an eye out on the entrance from the road, we missed it the first time and had to back track. Other than that, once you enter from the road, it's for the most part straight forward to the entrance of the hike.

I had a great time with my family. James was very patient and accommodating, and helped all three…read moreof us enjoy a beautiful ride through the hiking trails, and took some amazing photos. He also surprised us with some cookies during a break in the ride. He has a vast amount of knowledge of the local area, but that is dwarfed by his knowledge and skill with his horses. They were all extremely impressive in how well they handled my 7 year old's high energy, and had a very calm demeanor the whole time. We also followed up with an archery session, and James is just as patient an archery instructor as he is a riding instructor, giving us tips on proper stance and handling of the bows. It was a great experience, and I would definitely like to plan another visit!

This place is the best kept secret in Southern California! James is a great guy and treats the…read morehorses so well. He'll bring you on the most beautiful tour of the most amazing mystical cavern. I've never seen anything like it. The horses are all happy and healthy. You'll have the best day of your life here.

Libbey Park is a wonderful place to spend the day! The park is beautiful, well-maintained, and…read moreperfect for families. We especially enjoyed the farmers market, which had a great variety of vendors, fresh produce, and local goods. The live band created a fun and welcoming atmosphere that made the experience even more enjoyable. There was plenty to see and do, and everyone had a great time. Highly recommend visiting if you're in the area!

Beautiful park . Stopped by and sat at a bench while we enjoyed our ice cream…read more Well kept park. The fountain is nice and loved seeing the kids playing in it.

Another amazing night spent at Mountain Park. Took about 9 kids for my sons party. Awesome place…read morefor the kids to play and explore. Roasting hot dogs and eating s'mores, what more could you want on a beautiful Tehachapi night? Highly recommend if you have never been here.

If you're looking for a park in the middle of nowhere, but still just outside town, where you can…read morecamp or visit on a day trip, this is your place. Granted you have to be in Tehachapi, or know where Tehachapi is, or be wanderIng around southeastern California, or have a sweet GPS. Given all the above transpiring, if you find yourself in the lucky position of needing to do a summer XC run with your sophomore weak-of-heart running daughter, just don't tell her about the steep uphill. You do get to run back down afterward anyway. Should you be able to trick your kids into the run or perhaps a hike, magnificent views await at the overlooks partway and all the way up. We're talking Twitter-background-wallpaper-quality shots (not that I would know). Should I wind up randomly or intentionally in T-town, I'll take another hike, provided I can talk the daughter into it ("no honey this isn't the one you remember, it's an easy hike":).