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This is one of Ventura County’s best hikes, and one of our closest shots at a legit waterfall payoff. The Santa Paula Canyon trail follows its namesake creek deep into the Los Padres National Forest, crossing the water over a dozen times before climbing to a 25-foot cascade that drops into a swimmable pool. It’s the kind of hike where you earn every view—and then get to cool off in it.

The route starts off Highway 150 near Thomas Aquinas College and passes through a private easement—an oil rig, an avocado farm, and a red gate—before entering the national forest proper. From there, the trail follows the shady banks of Santa Paula Creek through a narrowing canyon with repeated creek crossings. Some are ankle-deep; others can reach knee or thigh height depending on recent rain. After roughly 2.5 miles along the creek, the trail climbs about 400 feet to Big Cone Camp, a shaded flat perched on the canyon wall with fire pits and shade trees. Just past camp, the trail drops into a side ravine and descends to First Falls—a 25-foot waterfall pouring into a rocky pool at the base of the Punchbowl. It’s a rewarding turnaround point and one of the most popular swimming holes in the Los Padres. Note: the trail can be tricky to follow in spots, especially after storms. Forest Service black-and-red diamond markers are painted on rocks to help but download your maps for offline use before you go.

DETAILS:

  1. Hike organizer(s): Tim R.
  2. Meet: Santa Paula Canyon Trailhead parking area on Highway 150 (Route 150 / North Ojai Road), just past the entrance to Thomas Aquinas College at 6:45 am, departure at 7:00 am sharp (Jun 13).
  3. Distance: Approximately 7.3 miles (out-and-back).
  4. Elevation gain: Approximately 954 feet.
  5. Time: Approximately 3.5-4.0 hours hiking, depending on pace and time spent at the falls.
  6. Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition. The trail involves multiple creek crossings with uneven, rocky footing and a sustained climb to Big Cone Camp. Sections can be sun-exposed and warm, especially in the wider canyon stretches.
  7. Dogs: Dogs are allowed on leash. Be aware of ticks on this trail—check your dog thoroughly afterward. Some creek crossings may be too deep for smaller dogs.
  8. Restrooms: No restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail.
  9. Adventure Pass: Not required. No permit or pass is needed to park at the trailhead or hike this trail in the Los Padres National Forest.
  10. Turnaround: If you want a shorter outing, the creek crossings and canyon scenery in the first 2 miles make for a pleasant out-and-back without committing to the full climb to Big Cone Camp and the falls.

IMPORTANT NOTES: The first mile of the trail crosses private property (an easement through Thomas Aquinas College and adjacent ranch land). Parking is limited at the trailhead and fills fast on weekends; arrive early. The creek crossings are the real variable on this hike—water levels change with recent rainfall. Expect to get your feet wet. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting soaked (water shoes or trail runners work well). The trail can be faint in places, especially past the creek crossings—follow the black/red diamond markers on rocks and stay on the AllTrails route. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter wildlife, or face unexpected conditions on this hike. Finally, this event may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

ESSENTIAL GEAR: Sturdy footwear that can get wet (trail runners or water shoes recommended for creek crossings; boots will get waterlogged). Trekking poles helpful for creek crossings and the climb to Big Cone Camp. Hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing for the exposed canyon stretches. Snacks and a packed lunch. Refillable water bottle with 2+ liters of water. A dry bag or zip-lock bags for your phone and valuables during creek crossings. A towel and change of socks if you want to dry off at the falls. Bug spray—ticks are present on this trail.

The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)

THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 3, Intermediate (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 THC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a moderate pace (~2.5 mph)?

THC 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:
Santa Paula Canyon Trailhead: North Ojai Road (Route 150), Santa Paula, CA 93060

Driving Directions (link)

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. Cell service may be spotty in the canyon—download your AllTrails maps for offline access before you leave home. The Forest Service has placed black-and-red diamond markers on rocks along the trail, but they don’t cover the entire route. Navigation can be tricky, especially past the creek crossings where multiple use trails diverge.

GPS Trail Map (link)
USFS Santa Paula Canyon Trail Info (link)

We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via cash contribution (at each hike).

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY - IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing The 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 Hiking Club (THC) Meetup Group and its organizers 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 The Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing The 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.

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