Sulphur Mountain Road Trail Map

Hiking distance: 10-miles one-way.

Hiking time: 4 hours.

Highlights: This road is open to hikers, bicyclist, equestrians and dogs on leash. This old county dirt road follows the 2,600-foot Sulphur Mountain ridgeline from Highway 33 in Casitas Springs to Highway 150 in the upper Ojai. As the trail winds around the mountain the views alternate between panoramic views of the coast and Channel Islands, and the Ojai Valley and Los Padres National Forest. Also, there are views from Point Mugu to South Mountain, and from Lake Casitas to the Topatopa Mountains. There are many deer. The hike can be moderate or strenuous depending on your choice of trailhead. It is all uphill from the Casitas Springs end, but more moderate from the upper Ojai end.

Geocache link: Sulphur Mountain

Elevation gain/loss: 2,200 feet.

Difficulty: Strenuous when starting at the bottom and moderate when starting from the top.

Signs: Both trailheads are signed. There are mileage posts along the trail. Since all of the property surrounding the road is private, there are numerous no trespassing signs.

Spurs: None.

Dogs: Canines on leash are permitted.

Drinking fountains and picnic tables: None.

Restrooms: None. However, if needed, there are several gas stations in Ojai along the drive between the two trailheads.

Directions to trailhead: Leave a shuttle car at the end of the hike. From the Santa Paula Freeway/Highway 126 take the 10th Street/Highway 150 exit. Drive north on Highway 150 for 10.4 miles (10th Street becomes Santa Paula/Ojai Road). Turn left on Sulphur Mountain Road. Continue on Sulphur Mountain Road 4.6 miles to the trailhead gate. Parking is limited and be sure not to block the gate. To the lower trailhead: Drive back down Sulphur Mountain Road 4.6 miles and turn left on Ojai/Santa Paula Road/Highway 150. Drive for 6.5 miles into Ojai and turn left on Ventura Street. Follow this road, which becomes Creek Road, for 6.1 miles and turn left on Ventura Avenue/Highway 33. Turn left again 0.6 mile farther on Sulphur Mountain Road. Continue another 0.3 mile to where no parking begins. Park alongside the road prior to the start of no parking. The trailhead gate is visible about 80 yards farther. Driving directions to the lower end from Highway 101: From Highway 101 in Ventura dirve north on Highway 33 7.7 miles and turn right on Sulphur Mountain Road.

Hiking directions: The road between the two trailheads is obvious and side roads are either gated or posted no trespassing.