Chief Peak Trail Map

Hiking distance: 8.8-mile roundtrip.

Hiking time: 3.5 hours.

Highlights: There are views all along the trail up to the peak, and from the peak there are spectacular 360 degree views. On clear days you can see six of the Channel Islands, the Santa Monica Mountains, Ojai Valley, Lake Casitas and the rugged interior wilderness. The ridge when viewed from the Ojai Valley has some resemblance to the relief of a sleeping Indian. Chief Peak is the highest point and is the head and bonnet.

Geocache link: Chief Peak

Elevation gain/loss: 2,100 feet.

Difficulty: Strenuous.

Signs: There is a sign at trailhead in campground and a marker sign for the trail up to the peak.

Spurs: None.

Dogs: Canines on leash are permitted on trails.

Drinking fountains and picnic tables: Tables in campground, but no drinking fountains.

Restrooms: In Rose Valley Campground.

Directions to trailhead: Travel 13.4 miles north, on Highway 33 from Highway 101, to the "Y" junction with Highway 150. Bear left, staying on Highway 33, heading toward Maricopa. Continue 14.8 miles to the Rose Valley/Piedra Blanca turnoff and turn right. Follow this narrow paved road 3 miles and turn right toward Upper Lake and Rose Valley Falls. Rose Valley Camp is 0.5 mile farther. If the campground is full, park off the road outside the campground. National Forest Adventure Pass required for parking or camping. One day passes are $5 and can be obtained from Ranger stations and sporting good stores.

Hiking directions: Hiking directions: Insect repellent is recommended to help with biting flies during the summer. The trailhead is in the west corner of the campground and is marked "Chief Peak Road." The trail/fire road starts on the other side of the gate. The road is mostly dirt with patches of old asphalt. It is a steady climb for the first couple of miles. Just past a cattle guard, at 2.17 miles, turn left at the "Y" intersection. You're now on Nordhoff Ridge Road. At 3.8 miles is a marker on the right for the narrow trail up to the peak. The closer you get to the peak, the trail is sometimes hard to see where it goes over rocks. When you are just below the peak, follow the ducks (stacked rocks) around the right side of the ridge and then turn left up to the summit. The last 0.1 mile is a rock scramble. The peak is at 4.4 miles. There is a register on the north side of the peak. After resting and enjoying the views, return the way you came.