You’ve done the usual ride up the coast, over to Ojai, on the dirt in Sycamore Canyon or Harmon Canyon. So let’s explore some off the beaten path destinations on two wheels. Come along every newsletter issue and give somewhere new a try. And if you know a hidden cycling gem, trail or route in or near Ventura County send it in to destinations@bikeventura.org (include a map, distance, elevation change, surface condition and a couple photos about the destination).
Destination: Santa Clara River Preserve
East of Ventura are 1,500 acres of land conserved along the Santa Clara River. It opened to the public a year or two ago under the management of The Nature Conservancy. Bring binoculars as it is a wonderful birdwatching, native plant and river viewing location. No water or services except a portable toilet are at the site. Bring a lock and park your bike at the entrance and walk around 2+ miles of very easy flat trail.
- Start/End: Telephone Road and Petit (Ventura)
- Distance (one-way): 7.7 mi
- Surface: paved
- RideWithGPS link: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/152696532
