Rose Valley Hikes

LION CANYON TRAIL

Story and photos by Perry Van Houten

One of the most scenic canyons in the Los Padres, Lion Canyon offers hikers several different routes and destinations. About 2 miles up, the trail splits in three directions. The left and right forks lead to simple trail camps and waterfalls, while the middle fork climbs for 3 miles to Nordhoff Ridge. The trailhead is located at Middle Lion Campground, at the end of a steep 1-mile paved road 2 miles north of the turn on to Rose Valley Falls.

PIEDRA BLANCA TRAIL

Adventure truly begins at the end of Rose Valley Road, at Piedra Blanca Trailhead. Once a sprawling car camp, the trailhead is now the gateway to the Piedra Blanca rock formation and many square miles of wilderness. Once across Sespe Creek, the trail splits two ways:, Go east along the Sespe River Trail, a long way to the hot springs (not a day hike), or head west 1.5 miles to the huge sandstone outcroppings and a great picnic spot. For longer hikes, continue west on the Middle Sespe Trail, or hike past the rocks on the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca Trail to Piedra Blanca Camp and Twin Forks Camp. In Rose Valley, life’s slower pace offers visitors a break from the rat race and, for many, a sense of renewal. Who couldn’t use some of that? So let’s go for a hike in this fascinating corner of Los Padres National Forest. Our adventure begins about 15 miles north of Ojai, at the junction of Maricopa Highway and Rose Valley Road, and continues north through the scenic little valley named for the wild roses that grow there.