Fern Grotto Trail, YES it is in OJAI :)

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/b/8/4/event_83499812.jpeghttp://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/b/e/2/event_82124002.jpeghttp://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/b/5/6/event_82123862.jpegFern Grotto Trail is just a small part of the loop I have in mind.

Hike includes river crossing with rock hopping and takes about 2.5 hours. We will cross riverbottom, river, head into the shady Wills canyon, up Fern Grotto Trail that will take us up on the ridge with great views. We will make a loop and come downhill again. There are some steep parts (see photos), my estimate is 6-7 miles with 1000 feet elevation (correct me if I'm wrong)

You will need shoes with good tracking and 1liter of water.

Give yourself 1.5 hours minumum to get here from LA. Take 101 West to Ventura, Hwy 33 towards Ojai about 11 miles, make left on Hwy 150 (Baldwin Rd) , go pass Cruzero, La Luna, and make right on RICE road. Go about mile and half (2 or 3 stop signs) on RICE road, pass all the houses, you will see valley on your left and horses on your right. Parking for Ojai River Preserve will be on your left.

Meet at Rancho El Nido Preserve Parking lot off Rice Road by 1pm. We will leave at 1pm. Rain cancels.

By RSVP yes, you are agree that in no event shall organizers of this meetup be liable for any injuries or damages and that you are hiking at your own risk.