A spectacular 300-foot waterfall, lovely creek, easy hike
Near: Ojai, CA
Distance: 1-mile round trip
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Hike Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Condition: OK, but a few difficult spots
Hike Type: Out and Back
This relatively easy hike takes you to the base of the two-tier 300 foot high Rose Valley Falls. The trail follows Rose Creek for a pleasant half mile before the upper falls come into view, with water cascading over a sheer sandstone cliff. The trail takes you to the base of the lower falls, with water trickling in ribbons through the moss covered cliff. A number of side trails lead up to the base of the upper falls, but these routes are very steep and exposed in places, so use extreme caution if you decide to try this.
I did this hike during a rather dry March, and although there was water coming down the lower falls, I could not see any water on the upper falls. I imagine that this waterfall must be a stunning spectacle a few days after a rainstorm.
Also, consider also hiking the Piedra Blanca Formations, if you are in this area.
Trailhead
From Ojai, drive 15 miles north on Highway 33 to the Rose Valley turnoff and make a right. Continue 3 miles to the Rose Valley Campground turnoff and make a right. Park at the end of the road, about a half mile up near the trailhead sign (Lat:34.53181 Lon:-119.18315)
