Ortega OHV Trails
General Information
Ortega Trail
Length: 8.7 miles
Description: This is the only trail open to motorcycles on the
Ojai Ranger District. The trail is recommended for experienced riders only.
Hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers are also welcome. The trail offers good
panoramic views, including views of the ocean. Wildflowers are common in spring
and early summer. Bring plenty of water, as there is none along the trail. An
old campsite is located at the 3-mile mark; it is now overgrown and has no water
available. Ortega Camp is an additional 3.1 miles. It contains 4 usable fire
rings and 1 table, but has no water available. After an additional 2.6 miles up
the old four wheel drive road, the trail ends at its intersection with the end
of Cherry Creek Road. This last segment is also open to quadrunners. The trail
ascends a ridge separating the Matilija and Tule Creek drainages. Follow Cherry
Creek Road 3.0 miles north to its intersection with Highway 33. This point is
27.3 miles north of Ojai.
Directions: This trail intersects Highway 33 in two locations: Its southern terminus is 9.6 miles north of Ojai. The southern access is presently closed, as of September 24 due to increased fire restrictions. The description that follows assumes starting at this point and going northerly on the trail. This direction is generally uphill. The alternative is to drive 27.3 miles north of Ojai and turn left on Cherry Creek Road. Proceed 3 miles south to a saddle, where the trail starts, heading south. Drive 9.6 miles north of Ojai on Highway 33; trail starts on the left.
Seasonal Use: The Cherry Creek Road segment is gated closed at Highway 33 on a seasonal basis (typically December through July) until Sespe Creek near the highway dries up. The gate is used to protect steelhead habitat. The Ortega Trail is posted closed at times during the rainy season to protect the trail from accelerated erosion caused by use. Check with the Ojai Ranger Station for the status of this trail.
Spark arresters are required year round.
Trail Tips
- Intrude as little as possible. Avoid wheel spins. Be conscious of any impacts you are making on the land. Tread Lightly!
- Carry out any and all litter.
- Avoid high speeds and high rpm's near camps and picnic grounds. Speed limit is 5mph in campgrounds and staging areas.
- Ride single file at safe speeds on the right side on roadways.
- Stay on trails and roads designated for use. Cutting switchbacks, creating hill climbs and riding in undesignated areas causes erosion, loss of wildlife habitat and other resource damage. Repairs cost tax dollars, and citations cost you dollars!
- Never ride alone. Use the buddy system.
- Wildlife and livestock have their place in the forest, too. Don't chase them. Cut your throttle when you encounter them and allow them to cross your path.
- Go slow or stop for other trail users. Hikers and horseback riders have the right of way on all trails.
- Noisy bikes make enemies for trail bikers. Keep your machine as quiet as possible.
Unsafe riding, vandalism and failure to comply with regulations have caused other areas to be closed. Help us to keep this site open and available for your recreation use.
