Lion Canyon

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Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Lion Canyon Trail in the Los Padres National Forest is a moderate-to-difficult trail, taking visitors looking for a shorter day hike into a "wild" setting within 2 miles of the trailhead. It's an easy-to-moderate trail, and is family-friendly. For visitors looking for a longer outing, this is a great option for a backpacking trip. The trail borders the western edge of Sespe Wilderness and provides access to the East and West Fork Lion backcountry campsites.

From the Lion Canyon Trailhead at Middle Lion Campground (car camping available), the trail crosses Lion Creek and passes through chaparral, cottonwood trees, and riparian vegetation. The terrain starts off flat, but gradually ascends with scenic views of the canyon as you go. If you follow the trail for 5 miles, you'll climb to spectacular views of the Channel Islands in Channel Islands National Park and dramatic views of Pine Mountain, too. Nordhoff Ridge Road is the turnaround point, but not before taking in the well-deserved expansive views across the Ojai Valley, out to the Pacific Ocean, and to the east featuring the Topatopa Bluff.

Because this trail is located along a north-facing canyon, you can see all types of vegetation from Douglas-fir trees to spruce, oak, yucca and sycamores.

The Sespe Wilderness is the fourth largest roadless area in the Lower 48 and the one closest to a major metropolitan area, which makes this trail a popular (and much needed) outdoor destination for residents from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles.