DESCRIPTION:
This scenic out-and-back trail in the Los Padres National Forest offers a perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness character. The well-maintained fire road climbs steadily through Sisar Canyon, gaining about 2,300 feet over roughly 5 miles to reach White Ledge Camp. The wide path makes for easy navigation while still providing that satisfying sense of getting into the backcountry. Along the way, you’ll pass through diverse vegetation zones—from chaparral-covered slopes to shaded oak groves—with occasional glimpses of the surrounding ridges. The steady grade makes this an excellent conditioning hike, though it can feel exposed and hot in summer months.
White Ledge Camp itself is a backcountry campsite, tucked into a peaceful canyon setting with a few shaded campsites and a seasonal creek (which is likely dry this time of year). The camp makes a great turnaround point for day hikers or serves as a quiet overnight spot for those wanting to extend the adventure. While the fire road surface might not offer the rugged single-track experience some prefer, the trade-off is a reliable, well-graded trail that’s perfect for building endurance or introducing friends to backcountry hiking. It’s a solid choice when you want good elevation gain without technical challenges, and the relatively quiet nature of this trail compared to more popular Ventura County hikes is definitely a bonus. Parking is limited so car pool and get there early if you can.
DETAILS:
- Hike leader volunteer(s): Tim R.
- Meet: 12540 Ojai Rd, Ojai at 7:45 am, departure at 8:00 am sharp (Jan 17).
- Distance: Approximately 10.6 miles.
- Elevation gain: Approximately 2,283 feet.
- Time: Approximately 5.0 hours hiking including a snack break.
- Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed.
- Restrooms: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
- Adventure Pass: Not Required.
IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a brisk pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. There are no expected stream crossings, exposures, bugs or other warnings. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter poison oak, snakes, etc. on this hike. This event may be cancelled due to inclement weather before or at the start of the hike. Check the weather report and plan accordingly.
ESSENTIAL GEAR: Hiking boots and poles. Clothing layers recommended. Snacks and 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Hat and sunscreen.
The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 4, Intermediate (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the CHC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a brisk pace?
CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
1. Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
3. Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.
TRAILHEAD LOCATION: 12540 Ojai Rd, Ojai, CA 93023
NAVIGATION: We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to.
The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization. We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via: Cash contribution (at each hike), or via Zelle at 6617135610; or via Venmo at: @Heidi-Webber-5
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY – IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.
