Cozy Dell Trail

Name of area/general location: Los Padres National Forest, Ojai, CA

Land Acknowledgement: Chumash people

AllTrails Hike Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/cozy-dell-via-foothill-trail

Trail rating: Moderate, due to elevation change

For more information:  Los Padres National Forest, Ojai Ranger District (805) 448-4710

Description of area, sights, wildlife and any key markers on the trail:

The Cozy Dell Trail is a 3.6-mile long trail that lies near the southern boundary of the Los Padres National Forest near Ojai, CA.  If you hike this as an in-an-out hike, the round trip mileage is 7.2 miles.  The elevation change is 1,187 feet, which is why this fairly short hike is rated as a moderate one.  The trail ends at Cozy Dell Creek, where it ties into the Foothill Trail and Cozy Dell Road. For additional mileage, one can take the Pratt Trail to the short Cozy Dell Spur (which adds approximately 1.4 additional miles to an in-and-out hike).  Alternatively, a loop (approximately 15.4 additional miles) can be made around Magic Mountain by following the Foothill Trail and then continuing back along the Ojai Fuel Break Road and then back on Cozy Dell Road.

The trailhead is well marked with a brown U.S. Forest Service sign.  Parking is available in a large open gravel area on the west side of Highway 33.  Use caution when crossing Highway 33 to get to the trailhead!

The trail receives medium to heavy usage due to its close proximity to Ojai and Ventura and because it is readily accessible by any type of vehicle.  There are many large oaks along the trail, a good number of which burned in the Thomas Fire, but the area is recovering nicely from the fire.  There are no camps or water on the trail.  About one mile into the trail, you reach a flat area which has a number of large rocks.  This provides a great picnic spot (but please remember to pack it out) and spectacular views of the Ojai Valley.

The trail can be hiked any time of year, but due to the fact that the trail lacks shade in some areas, one might not want to hike this in the summer months in the middle of the day.

Dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed at all times.

How To Get There: The trailhead is located immediately east of Highway 33 about 16 miles north of Ventura and 3.3 miles north of Ojai. The trailhead is located a tenth of a mile south of Friend’s Ranch Packing House, but don’t be tempted to park in their parking lot; your vehicle could be towed.

Caution: Weather and road conditions can change in an instant. Always check with the managing agency before embarking on a trip. Always hike with a friend and carry a cell phone for emergencies. Bring plenty of drinking water, food, and clothing for changing weather conditions. Let someone know where you are going and when you intend to be back. Remember, California’s wild places are beautiful but they can also be dangerous to the unprepared and unwary. The California Wilderness Coalition assumes no liability if you intend to visit any of the wild places featured in our materials.