Ventura County Hikes & Scenic Walks: 4 Ways to Get Outside

Ventura County hikes give you another way to enjoy a coastal holiday, with time by the ocean and a morning in the hills. Choose a walk around the people coming, how much climbing you enjoy, and how much of the day you want to give it.

These four outings offer different experiences. Some are in the City of Ventura; others take you farther into Ventura County and the Santa Monica Mountains. Match the location and route to the home you are staying in.

1. Harmon Canyon Preserve: start with the Ventura foothills

Harmon Canyon Preserve, managed by Ventura Land Trust, offers a chance to leave the beach behind for a while and explore the foothill landscape. Use the current trail information to choose your route and turnaround point.

A shorter out-and-back can suit a group that wants an outdoor morning without a long expedition. Bring water and sun protection, and choose the distance around your least experienced walker.

Dogs can join outings in designated lower parts of the preserve. Check the current map and entrance signs for the permitted route, since the manager’s pages describe different distance limits. Keep your companion with you on a leash and bring their water too.

2. Ventura Botanical Gardens: make the views part of the walk

Ventura Botanical Gardens offers hillside paths and a different perspective on the coast. It is a good outing to investigate when your group enjoys plants, photography, and taking its time.

Check current visiting information, path access, and the route you intend to use. A garden walk still involves hillside terrain; ask about accessibility before planning it for someone who needs a step-free or gentler route.

3. Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa: another side of the county

At Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, near Newbury Park, the National Park Service describes gentle slopes and routes through the landscape beneath Boney Mountain. The Satwiwa Loop is designated for hikers.

This is a separate inland outing, rather than a trail in downtown Ventura. Choose your route from the official map and leave time to appreciate the area’s Chumash history and cultural importance. Check the dog arrangements for the exact route when bringing your companion.

4. Sandstone Peak: choose a more demanding adventure

For hikers who want a bigger day, Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains offers a more demanding option. Our Sandstone Peak guide explains how to start planning from West Malibu.

Treat this as a hike that needs preparation, rather than a casual add-on after lunch. Use the National Park Service’s Circle X Ranch information to review the route and current conditions before setting out.

Choose Ventura County hikes to fit your holiday

Check the land manager’s current trail notices and the weather before leaving. Bring water, sun protection, suitable shoes, and navigation for the route. Start earlier on warmer days and choose a shorter outing when that will make the day more enjoyable.

There is no prize for choosing the longest route. A satisfying walk followed by lunch and an afternoon at the beach may be exactly the holiday your group wants.

Come back to the coast

All our Ventura and Oxnard homes are walkable to the beach. For a stay in those neighborhoods or West Malibu, tell us your plans and we can help you compare the settings. Browse our homes and find more local ideas in Explore Ventura and Explore Oxnard.