The best hikes in Southern California for serious hikers offer a challenging trail that is especially satisfying. A strenuous journey is made even better by epic and diverse scenery, and the icing on the cake is a grand finish, especially one that not everyone knows about. This adventurous hike in Southern California is all of that and should be on your must-do list.

Editor’s Note: Please exercise using caution here. Be sure to check road conditions before you travel. In addition, parts of this hiking trail are temporarily closed. 

This six-mile hiking trail in Southern California begins in Ojai’s Murietta Canyon at the North Fork Matilija Creek Trail.
Google Maps
The trailhead to one of the best hikes in Southern California is accessed by taking California State Route 33, exiting Matilija Canyon Road, and heading west to the end.
Approximately half of the hike follows the Matilija Divide Trail which offers expansive mountain and canyon vistas.
Sam Sibley/AllTrails
The AllTrails website shows the Murietta Canyon to Ocean View Trail route closes when there is severe weather but is open in the spring, which is perfect for enjoying new plant life and the stunning colors of the mountains.
There is so much to enjoy on one of the best trails in SoCal from the grand vistas to the smallest of details.
Rachelle Gray/AllTrails
If you are a plant lover, you will find this hiking trail even more interesting with its diverse flora.
About a mile-and-a-half from the North Fork Matilija Creek trailhead is a small rustic campground.
Jacques Rousseau/AllTrails
Especially during spring after a good rainy season, the trail provides beautiful natural landscapes including meandering creeks, mineral springs, boulders, trees, and wildflowers.
Camio Cielo Ocean View Trail/Facebook

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Several trails connect to the Matilija Divide Trail.
Jacques Rousseau/AllTrails
One of the best hikes near me, the Monte Arido Trail, takes you to the Divide Peak Route which connects to the final leg of the hike, the Ocean View Trail.
Your adventurous spirit is rewarded at many points along the trail, well before you reach the final overlook where you'll be treated to some amazing views in Southern California.
Alexander Losikov/Google Local
Some vistas depend on when you visit, such as when low clouds roll in and make the canyons even more dramatic, which we love.
As the Divide Peak route meets the last trail segment, the Ocean View Trail, the landscape changes a little with steep rocky mountainsides and more lush greenery.
Ricky Ricardo/AllTrails
Only intrepid hikers will be gifted with the incredible views from Ocean View Trail which overlooks ridges and canyons below, Ojai’s pristine Lake Casitas, the shores of Ventura County, and the Pacific Ocean.
Camino Cielo Ocean View Trail/Facebook
One of the best hikes in Southern California was left unmaintained for decades and is currently closed. Look for updates on the North Fork Matilija Trail web page.
Camino Cielo Ocean View Trail/Facebook
On a clear day, this breathtaking overlook includes the string of islands known as the Channel Islands, on the horizon off the California coast. It just seems right that your adventure be celebrated with a scenic picnic before heading home.
If you are early enough, you may not immediately be able to see the lake or the ocean, but a sunrise over the early morning fog is equally, if not more, spectacular.
Camino Cielo Ocean View Trail/Facebook

The best hikes in Southern California like this trail to a little-known ocean overlook are absolutely worth the effort. For more information about this trail, visit the Ojai Ranger District Information web page for updated closures and reopenings.

Do you love a good hiking trail? What do you think about this adventurous hike? We want to hear from you in the comments.

And before your hike, visit this small-town diner in SoCal for some delicious homestyle breakfasts. And after, consider an overnight or weekend stay by reserving a room on the Expedia website.

The Small-Town Diner Where Locals Catch Up Over Delicious Homestyle Breakfasts

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Dining In Southern California

Carolyn Harmon | February 12, 2024

What are some of the best restaurants in Southern California?

  • The 1901 (Oxnard): Take a trip through history in this historic building, the Laurent-McGrath House. Built in 1901, the Colonial Revival home shares a space with the very cool 1901 Speakeasy. An Italian American Steakhouse, the mouthwatering cuisine includes steaks, homemade pasta, and fresh seafood.  Order a prohibition-style craft cocktail that will blow your mind as the mixologists take their jobs very seriously curating authentic drinks.
  • Asterid (Los Angeles): Named after the largest group of exquisite-looking flowering plants — this is the newest of three unique restaurants by Chef Ray Garcia. The eatery uses seasonal ingredients to create a unique and joyful dining experience. The impressive restaurant is located at Walt Disney Concert Hall. And just like the plants, the vibrant displays of color expressed in the cuisine are beyond the stirrings of your imagination. This one is worth the splurge.
  • Tony's on the Pier (Redondo Beach): Since 1952, this family-owned and operated restaurant known as Old Tony's has provided the ambiance required for a romantic seaside dinner. Anything on the Pacific Ocean is going to have great views and the freshest seafood. But add some of the finest cooks and service around and you have a winner. The best part is the keepsake glass you can take home if you order a Mai Tai cocktail.

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