Pratt Trail To Nordhoff Ridge or Peak
Details
Ready to earn those mountain views? The Pratt Trail is Ojai's classic "no pain, no gain" adventure—a 9.7-mile out-and-back beast that'll have you climbing 3,103 feet through Los Padres National Forest. When we’re at Nordhoff Ridge, those who want to can hike the extra .75 miles/388 feet gain to the peak (details below). Plan on 5-6 hours of quality time with switchbacks!
Starting just north of downtown Ojai, you'll begin easy enough, paralleling a creek and enjoying some shade. But don't get too comfortable. The first hour or two will lull you into thinking "this isn't that hard," then reality kicks in with a steady climb. Rockslides have left their mark in spots so, be sure to wear actual hiking shoes, not your cute flats!
What makes it worth the sweat? Jaw-dropping views of the Topatopa Mountains and Ojai Valley that just keep getting better with elevation. You'll pass through diverse terrain—chaparral, wildflower meadows, maybe even spot some wildlife. Water flows in cooler months, and there's a eucalyptus grove to break things up.
Dogs are welcome (can be off leash in areas), and the trail is open year-round. Just know this is a solid workout that'll leave you wonderfully tired and Instagram-ready!
DETAILS:
- Hike leader volunteer(s): Tim R.
- Meet: Pratt Trailhead, Ojai, CA at 7:45 am, departure at 8:00 am sharp (Feb 14).
- Distance: Approximately 9.7/11.4 miles.
- Elevation gain: Approximately 3,103/3.491 feet.
- Time: Approximately 5.0/6.0 hours hiking including a snack break.
- Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed.
- Restrooms: There are bathrooms at the trailhead.
- Adventure Pass: Not Required.
IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a brisk pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. There may be stream crossings, exposures, bugs or other warnings. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter poison oak, ticks, snakes, etc. on this hike. This event may be cancelled due to inclement weather before or at the start of the hike. Check the weather report and plan accordingly.
ESSENTIAL GEAR: Hiking boots and poles. Clothing layers are recommended. Snacks and 3+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Hat and sunscreen.
The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 4/5, Intermediate/Advanced (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the CHC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a brisk pace?
CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
1. Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
3. Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.
TRAILHEAD LOCATION: Pratt Trailhead, Ojai, CA
NAVIGATION: We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to.
The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization. We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via: Cash contribution (at each hike), or via Zelle at 6617135610; or via Venmo at: @Heidi-Webber-5
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY - IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.