A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near San Buenaventura (Ventura), California

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Harmon Canyon Loop

Classic Hike Route

Harmon Canyon Loop

Birding
moderate
3.74 mi
+604 ft
Shelf Road

Classic Hike Route

Shelf Road

Family Friendly
moderate
1.76 mi
+249 ft
Piedra Blanca to Pine Mountain Lodge Camp

Classic Hike Route

Piedra Blanca to Pine Mountain Lodge Camp

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
12.86 mi
+3,895 ft
Potato Harbor Loop

Classic Hike Route

Potato Harbor Loop

Birding
moderate
4.77 mi
+564 ft
Santa Cruz Traverse

Classic Hike Route

Santa Cruz Traverse

Birding
strenuous
12.99 mi
+2,757 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Harmon Canyon Loop

Classic Hike Route

Harmon Canyon Loop

Birding
moderate
3.74 mi
+604 ft
Rice Canyon and Wills Canyon Trails Loop

Hike Route

Rice Canyon and Wills Canyon Trails Loop

River/Creek
moderate
4.51 mi
+561 ft
Shelf Road

Classic Hike Route

Shelf Road

Family Friendly
moderate
1.76 mi
+249 ft
The Rincon

Hike Route

The Rincon

Swimming
easy
0.52 mi
+1 ft
Mugu Peak and La Jolla Valley Loop

Hike Route

Mugu Peak and La Jolla Valley Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
4.48 mi
+1,415 ft
Harbor Seal Preserve

Hike Route

Harbor Seal Preserve

Swimming
easy
2.66 mi
+43 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Gridley Trail to Nordhoff Peak

Hike Route

Gridley Trail to Nordhoff Peak

Historical
strenuous
14.42 mi
+4,230 ft
Mishe Mokwa to Ray Miller

Hike Route

Mishe Mokwa to Ray Miller

Views
extreme
31.13 mi
+6,578 ft
Lion Canyon

Hike Route

Lion Canyon

Birding
strenuous
11.36 mi
+3,045 ft
Rosewood to Los Robles Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Rosewood to Los Robles Out-and-Back

Fall Colors
moderate
12.59 mi
+2,416 ft
Piedra Blanca to Pine Mountain Lodge Camp

Classic Hike Route

Piedra Blanca to Pine Mountain Lodge Camp

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
12.86 mi
+3,895 ft
Piedra Blanca to Haddock Camp

Hike Route

Piedra Blanca to Haddock Camp

Wildflowers
extreme
10.05 mi
+4,465 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Valley View Loop

Hike Route

Valley View Loop

Views
moderate
6.7 mi
+1,400 ft
Horn Canyon Trail

Hike Route

Horn Canyon Trail

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
9.89 mi
+3,858 ft
Santa Paula Canyon to the Punch Bowls

Hike Route

Santa Paula Canyon to the Punch Bowls

Birding
moderate
8.48 mi
+1,270 ft
La Jolla Loop

Hike Route

La Jolla Loop

Birding
strenuous
6 mi
+1,043 ft
Sisar Canyon to Red Reef Trail

Hike Route

Sisar Canyon to Red Reef Trail

Views
strenuous
8.54 mi
+3,355 ft
Sycamore Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Sycamore Canyon Loop

River/Creek
moderate
8.95 mi
+1,257 ft