Horn Canyon Trail

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views

One of the premier hikes in Ojai, with unparalleled views of the east end of the valley, Horn Canyon follows a route upstream from Thatcher School towards the Topa Topa Bluff Mountains. This trail mostly likely originates as a Chumash Indigenous trail connecting cultural and village sites. It was renamed and re-used by both the Spanish and U.S. settlers - namely Colonel Horn, who settled at its base after the civil war. This trail has many switchbacks and several small stream crossings, but aside from its length, it is not extremely strenuous or steep.

From the trailhead, head northeast on Horn Canyon Trail on a wide dirt path. In about 0.5 mile the trail narrows. At about 0.7 miles, hikers enter Los Padres National Forest. The trail crosses Thatcher Creek several times; just before the fourth crossing (about one mile up the trail) hikers can opt to follow a faint path up the creek, which leads to nice cascades and pools (not mapped). This makes for a great resting place, or for a shorter hike, is an excellent spot to turn around. If continuing on up the trail, head back to and follow the main trail.

At about 2.6 miles, hikers will reach The Pines, a former pine tree plantation that was replanted with seedlings by students of the Thatcher School after fires in mid-1900s burned them. Though most trees survived the Wheeler Fire of 1985, many of them did not fair the drought in the 2010's. The Pines is a now a trail camp and makes for a great rest stop, campsite, or spot to turn around for a shorter hike. Beyond The Pines, the trail continues climbing, crossing Sisar Canyon Road before ending at Nordhoff Ridge Road.

Sage dots the landscape, and a nice pine grove offers shade on hot days.