21 September 2008

Gridley Trail

Posted by Lelah under: Activities; Ojai .

There are a number of great hikes in the Ojai Valley. One of the most popular is up Gridley Trail, a not-difficult but healthily strenuous hike you can take all the way to Nordhoff Peak, where there are fantastic views, sometimes all the way to the Pacific if it is clear enough. About half way up there is a horse watering trough at the so-called Gridley Springs Camp, and that makes a good turnaround point if you don’t want to go the whole way. You can also go just up to Nordhoff Ridge and then turn around, but the complete hike is all the way up to Nordhoff Peak. It is about 3 miles to the watering trough, 6 miles to Nordhoff Ridge and another mile or so to the Peak.

The trailhead is located at the top of Gridley Road. Head east on Ojai Avenue and then make a left onto Gridley Road and stay on it through the intersection with Grand Avenue. You’ll pass the Shelf Road trailhead on your left and go up a steep curvy hill and then it dead ends in a cul de sac with a gate. Beyond the gate is private property, but you can park along the edges of the cul de sac legally. Just a few yards back down the road you’ll see the trailhead on your right, with a couple of signs.

The path is dry and dusty, and there is little shade, so be prepared with water and sun protection. Dogs are allowed, as are horse back riding and mountain biking, so watch out for bikers. Sunny weekends are when the trail is most packed, so it is usually a good idea to get an early start.

Information on Gridley Trail for mountain bikers including topographical maps: VC Trails

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