Touring * Slalom *

From U.S. 101, exit at the Ojai Freeway, State Highway 33, and proceed 11 miles north (it may seem like you're going east as you head away from the ocean, but it's really north) to the Ojai city limits. A mile and a half after you pass the big intersection where Highway 33 heads off to the left as the Maricopa Highway, look to the right, for Montgomery and then for Fox Street. Turn right on Fox to park at the curb near the Ojai Valley Racquet Club. You'll see the trail across the street from the racquet club entrance sign. [2006 Update: The trail now continues a few blocks west to Bryant Street where there is also street parking.] Map: Ojai Valley Trail Map, posted on trailside signs and at a kiosk on Willey Street.

Note: a recent report from Vic indicates that this trail is not in very good shape. The surfaceis rough with lots of debris. Let us know what your experience is. He also says, "Two miles or so from the south end of the trail is a ford which has a downhill entry ( as fords tend to have) and metal strips set in a concrete substrate and from a distance looks quite alarming - it turns out to be no problem if you go for it (with light toes)."

If you have friends willing to pick you up at the end of this route in Foster County Park in Casitas Springs, and you're not too proud to skate the entire 8.8-mile length of the Ojai Valley Trail in the downhill direction only, go for it! (See the next listing for the second half of this trail.) Otherwise, use the directions that follow to skate a shorter route on the northern half of the trail, down to Barbara Street in south Mira Monte. Whichever route you choose, you'll be delighted with the Ojai Trail: it's well marked and maintained, with gorgeous mountain views, wonderfully smooth pavement, and a gentle grade that is very doable in both directions. [2006 Update: despite recent sealing, the pavement on the southern half of this trip is unpleasantly rough.] Unfortunately, most of the northern section is also within earshot of the highway. Start skating west on the shady, 10-foot-wide asphalt path leading away from the Racquet Club. There are a few neighborhood street crossings along this section; check for cars before rolling through. Soon, to the left, the Ojai Valley Country Club Golf Course appears through the trees, in all its green and grassy glory. Before long, you're standing at the only stoplight on the trip, waiting impatiently to cross to where the path resumes at the other side of the highway. As the trail leaves the town of Ojai behind, it curves south through some trees, then west next to a wide, grassy meadow. About two miles from Fox Street is a shaded wood-and-stone bench, donated by the Rotary Club, where you can admire the panorama of the mountainous Los Padres National Forest to the north. Wait long enough and you might also get the chance to watch a red-tailed hawk ride the updrafts over the sunny meadow. Resuming your roll, continue beyond the intersection where State Highway 150 merges into 33. If you check out the wood trail map posted there, you can determine exactly where you are and how far you've gone; similar maps are posted every couple of miles along the entire length of the trail. At Willey Street, another mile to the south, is a kiosk-on-a-stick with free color maps of the Ojai Valley Trail (built as a project by a local Eagle Scout). Two blocks away, the wooden map posted at Barbara Street marks the end of tis tour.

• City of Ojai Website -

• Ojai Valley Trail South