pratt trail loop

Bring multiple water bottles, sunscreen and ace bandages! Very few sections of this trail are without ankle busting rocks and outcrops.

The Pratt loop starts off in a very promising manner with lots of signs pointing the way up the hill. Keep in mind, you will go uphill for the first hour or so, unless you jog up the hill (love to see you do that, as there are boulders most of the way). If it is hot, you will need at least 1.5 litres of water eat, and some energy food if you plan to do the entire loop. Once you get up beyond what can be described as civilization (you will note the last house to the left and the fence with the wide dusty road in front of you), there is little in the way of directions. There will be paths to the left and roads to the right. Without a map, you will guess you way to where you want to go. The loop (which doesn't seem to exist on the trail maps in Ojai itself) will begin to divert at the Fire road off to the right. Take it. Don't be tempted to turn back, but realize, you are only 25 percent of the way at this point. But you have accomplished the most strenuous part of the walk, so take heart. Once you begin to go along a couple of bends in the road, you will see vista after vista. You can pat yourself on the back for continuing. The rest of the way, there are some tricky bits so I highly recommend printing up a map that shows the outlines of the hills and that will help you to stay on track. When you end up at shelf road, again, it is a lovely vista all the way back to the parking area. Very worth doing, but keep in mind that the road if it is 86 degrees along the dusty road going up, you will get very warm and need to wear a hat, and bring water! Also, take longer, and stop for a picnic along the way!

WE wanted to do a easy/moderate hike that was not to long and this place was recommended. Glad we did it. It was a moderate hike going up. The view was fantastic. If you plan on doing this hike go early if the weather is going to be hot.

I wanted to try a hike while my husband was in a meeting. It is about 5 minutes from the center of town up North Signal. I wasnt sure I was in the right location when I got to the end of Signal so I turned around and then saw where I should turn it. You can park on Signal and walk in or when you head up Signal and you pull up on the left side of the street there is a sign that says Los Padres National Forest, Pratt/Foothill 1/2 mile to the left. Turn left there (at the water towers). On the right side there is a dirt area some people park and walk in. You can drive ahead on a bumpy road about 2 mins to a better area with some shade to park. Then it about a 5 min walk to the actual opening. It is half sun, half shaded and quiet. There was not a person on the trail on a Monday at noon. You walk along at a slight incline the entire way, about 4 miles. It is a good workout. There are rocks, it is not just a solid dirt path. There are homes to the right of the trail and some grape vines being grown. Heading down, all downhill obviously and a bit slick due to how deep and dry the dirt is. I was exremely dirty when all was said and done but it was a nice hike and very quiet all around me.

This is not for the faint of heart.... although taken at your own pace, it's not too tough and the views are spectacular.

The best thing about this trail is that it's accessible from the town of Ojai itself. You don't have to even drive to the trail head, it's just a half-mile walk through a nice neighborhood from the main road where our hotel was. The second best was the spectacular views overlooking the Ojai Valley. The first half is a bit steep but the switchbacks make it easy. Trail is well marked and maintained.

This is the kind of trail where a woman could feel safe hiking alone. Many folks were out on a weekday morning, getting exercise. Great views. For more of a workout, rather than driving uphill to the trailhead, park somewhere on Signal near the main drag and walk all the way up.

If you park at the trailhead, you will hike the first mile through private property but it's well marked. Fun to see the 'neighborhood' and hike next to some beautiful vineyards. My hubby pooped out after about three miles but I kept going up...and up and up. View is always beautiful. I didn't go all the way to the top so as not to leave my husband waiting too long but I did go up to about the 1500 foot elevation. Very well maintained trail. We saw some rock climbers and also some mountain bikers.

This gem of a trail starts near downtown Ojai from a trail head with plenty of parking off North Signal St. It climbs up the side of the mountain through interesting gardens and vineyards until it enters the National Forest and connects with lots of other trails for days of lovely adventuring. My favorite hike is to go up to the fire tower on Nordhoff Peak but that's several hours of vigorous hiking (with incredible views). A great loop is to go up Pratt Trail, head east on Foothill Trail (unmarked but 250 yes. past the water tank) for 1/4 mile, then return to Ojai on the spectacular Fox Canyon Trail just opened by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. Gorgeous views!

Great hiking loop with nice paths and great views. If you are in Ojai take the time to do this hike. One of many choices for hikes in Ojai.

Gentle slope up and down, the views are amazing and the air is spectacular. Take a friend and sit on one of the benches and watch the world go by.

There was a nice place to park and then begin the hike up around the mountains. Spectacular views of the Ojai valley below. Took lots of pictures. The trail is an easy walk.

We researched this area before our visit and came across an article for Shelf Road and the Pratt Trail. A little drive into town and a right (traveling South) at the Post office, the road dead ends. Park your car and you will hike the cutest little trail. I would estimate a 1 1/2 each way. Half way up you will see little benches along the way and further around the loop you will see a few more benches. The views of the city and area are wonderful. A good hike for those not very athletic.

We hiked Shelf Trail fire road and enjoyed the views and then added the newer "Pratt Trail"? which was steep, dusty, and hot, but we wanted more of a work-out so we were happy (but thirsty)!

The concierge at the Ojai Resort recommended this trail. It was challenging but worth the effort. The views as we went further were breathtaking.