Best Hiking/Biking Trails in VenturaCountyWest

Spring offers some of the best weather in Southern California and with the back-to-school spring break crowds, the perfect time for an “outdoorsy” weekend getaway. Some of California’s most scenic yet easy-to-reach hiking and biking trails are found in Ventura CountyWest.

Start a relaxing biking or hiking adventure at the mouth of the Ventura River (free parking is available on Main Street) and head south. You’ll pass the Ventura County Fairgrounds, a bird sanctuary, and then hike along a trail with great ocean views. Choose to stop at the historic Ventura Pier, where you can have lunch, or travel a little further afield and have a picnic on a grassy area at San Buenaventura State Beach.

For those who aren’t part of the beach crowd, hikers and bikers can ride along the Ventura River Trail. The trailhead is at the intersection of Rex and Dubbers streets and follows the old Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way. It’s an easy 6.3-mile walk or bike ride to Foster Park, where you can picnic under the shade of the trees. Be sure to stop at interpretive signs along the way to learn about the trail’s rich history.

Enjoy a four-mile hike from McGrath State Beach to McGrath Lake and try to spot some of the more than 245 species of birds that make the park one of the best birding areas in California. The trail takes you along the beach to enjoy the sun and surf and then winds along the riverbanks of the Santa Clara Estuary Nature Reserve. To spend the day, start from the McGrath State Beach trailhead and head to Channel Islands Harbor, a 12-mile round trip well worth it to relax at one of the waterside restaurants or walk around the marina. and enjoy the stunning views.

Bike rentals are available on Ventura’s Main Street at Ventura Bike Depot and at Wheel Fun Rentals, with locations at Ventura Beach Marriott, Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor, Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach and Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort.

Near the base of the Conejo Grade is Camarillo Grove Park, which features easy to moderate hikes with sweeping views of valleys and hills. Hikers will encounter a multitude of plants, including oaks, sage, and cacti. The area is a favorite spot for bird watching.

Channel Islands National Park

For a truly inspiring and liberating day, take an 11-mile boat trip with Island Packers and hike on one of the islands in Channel Islands National Park. In addition to stunning views of the ocean and coastline, the islands boast unique animals and plants found nowhere else in the world. Each level of hiking trail is available. Park rangers also offer guided tours.