Explore the New Ropersmith Trail in Ventura County
Outdoor adventurers will want to head to Ventura County this summer and hike the new Ropersmith Trail to enjoy panoramic views, diverse wildlife, and the rare coastal sage scrub.
The Ropersmith Trail, which opened to hikers in May, is the area’s newest trail and offers 2 miles of smooth singletrack hiking and mountain biking in the Harmon Canyon Preserve — a 2123-acre preserve just east of Santa Barbara.
Park at the main Harmon Canyon Preserve Trailhead before embarking on a double-track trail called the Harmon Canyon Road. As you hike past sage and oak trees, keep your eyes open for red-tailed hawks, deer, and even California quail. The canyon road winds its way up through the hills of the preserve to the Goldenberg Overlook. Make sure to bring a snack and spend some time here enjoying the views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Channel Islands.
Where to Start the Ropersmith Trail
The Ropersmith Trail starts at the junction with Goldenberg Overlook. Although it is not marked on any of the preserve’s online maps yet, they have made it easy to find with trail markers. Follow the signs as the trail winds through the preserve’s undulating hills, showcasing the green and browns of the coastal sage scrub before reconnecting with the Harmon Canyon Road. If you can visit before summer, you’ll also enjoy the vibrant yellow wildflowers that cover the landscape each spring. Furthermore, this will not be the end to the introduction of new trails at Harmon.
The local non-profit, Ventura Land Trust, purchased the preserve in 2020 and has already built 12 miles of new singletrack trails since then. Heather Burton, Development Coordinator at the Ventura Land Trust, states, “We’re focused on ensuring the Preserve is both open to the public and that we continue to protect it from an ecosystem perspective.” She notes that, while it does take some time to develop new trails, they are indeed on the horizon.
Even though the trail has only been open for a few weeks, the reviews so far are overwhelmingly positive. “We’re getting wonderful feedback from our trail users about how much they’re enjoying it” notes Burton. “We’re excited for even more people to come out and try it.”
An Easy One-Hour Drive from Los Angeles
The preserve is completely free to use and conveniently located just an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. After you’ve enjoyed your excursion, explore local culinary delights at Lark for some locally-sourced dishes and craft cocktails, followed by sweet indulgence at McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream, known for its creamy and delicious flavors like traditional vanilla and regionally-inspired varieties such as Eureka Lemon & Marionberries.
Moreover, the Harmon Canyon Preserve is a unique local resource that allows visitors to connect with nature, while the Ventura Land Trust continually expands recreational options. They prioritize both accessibility and the long-term protection of the land. Take the opportunity to enjoy stunning views, observe the rare sage ecosystem, and hike responsibly.
This article was first published on June 8, 2022, and updated on the same date.
