Santa Paula Canyon Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek

This trail is at times steep and can be difficult to follow in places. There are also drop-offs and high cliffs. Weekday use is recommended since this trail is often overcrowded on the weekends. It is one of the most popular trails in Ventura County. Trash and graffiti are not uncommon; please do not add to this problem, and please consider cleaning up what litter you can.

Begin this hike by by following the new access trail from Highway 150. This will join a dirt road in about half a mile, and that road again becomes the trail after crossing the creek just over a mile from the trailhead.

At about 2.5 miles, the trail crosses the creek again and begins to climb up a moderately steep slope to 3.5 miles. The trail levels off briefly before descending to Big Cone Camp. Santa Paula Canyon Trail continues from Big Cone Camp down a slope with some switchbacks. Turn right at the intersection to stay on the trail. From this point on, the trail is even more washed out than below and can be very difficult to follow. Use caution when continuing this direction.

People often connect this hike with Last Chance Trail by turning left at the intersection, to explore The Punchbowl and Cross Camp.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

The lower part of the trail passes through sycamore and alder stands. Big Cone Camp is located in a grove of big cone Douglas Fir.