Let our guide handle the logistics while you enjoy a guided overnight backpacking trip in the forest near Ventura, Ojai, or Santa Barbara. Our experienced guide will tailor your trek to your preferred pace and interests, from flora and fauna to local history or wilderness skills. There are several routes to choose from, for beginners through experienced hikers. Meals and snacks are provided, and all necessary gear is included (with the exception of clothing and personal items). Overnight treks are limited to a maximum of 8 participants. 

To book your trip, please review the options below, then go to our Booking page to check available dates and contact us to begin your adventure! Not sure which trek to pick? We'd be happy to help you choose. Gift certificates are also available for overnight treks; contact us for options!

Terms and Conditions

• Length: 3.4 miles out and back; optional 2.8-mile additional hike to falls
• Rating: Easy
• Location: Upper Ojai
• Highlights: Great backpacking route for first-timers and young adventurers; waterfall beyond camp
• Rate: $200 per person; minimum party of 2
• Summary: An easy hike through the high-walled canyon to the oak-shaded camp.  

• Length: 2.5 miles out and back
• Rating: Easy
• Location: Upper Ojai
• Highlights: Great backpacking route for first-timers and young adventurers; one of the best swimming holes in the area
• Rate: $200 per person; minimum party of 2
• Summary: An easy hike along the Sespe; sandy beach camp

• Length: 4.6-mile out-and-back
• Rating: Easy
• Location: Upper Ojai
• Highlights: Riparian trekking; numerous swimming and wading holes; waterfalls
• Rate: $250 per person; minimum party of 2
• Summary: From Middle Lion camp, an enjoyable climb through the scenic lower Lion Canyon to the junction of the East and West forks, and then a short hike into the East Fork camp

• Length: 10 miles out and back
• Rating: Moderate
• Location: Upper Ojai, Pine Mountain area
• Highlights: Soaring views of Pine Mountain and Cuyama badlands; conifer forests and canyons
• Rate: $250 per person; minimum party of 2
• Summary: From the Reyes Creek trailhead, a see-sawing traverse over two ridgelines into the historic Breatrap trail camp

• Length: 11 miles out and back
• Rating: Moderate
• Location: Mt. Pinos area
• Highlights: Conifer forest; excellent views; San Emigdio Mesa; fascinating geology; eroded geography
• Rate: $250 per person; minimum party of 2
• Summary: A traverse of the rugged Cuyama badlands to San Emigdio Mesa and the former 4WD campsite along its eastern edge

• Length: 10 miles out and back
• Rating: Moderate
• Location: Lockwood/Grade Valley
• Highlights: Fishbowls formation and swimming holes; giant conifers; magnificent views of Mutau Flat and Lockwood Valley
• Rate: $250 per person; minimum party of 2
• Summary: Trace the old jeep road from the former Grade Valley campground along Piru Creek to the cedar-shaded camp and wading pools 

• Length: 14 miles out and back
• Rating: Moderate (elevation and distance)
• Location: Cuyama River/Dick Smith Wilderness
• Highlights: Arroyo willow and oak woodland trekking along Santa Barbara Canyon; expansive views and conifer forests along Pine Canyon
• Rate: $250 per person; minimum party of 2
• Summary: A beautiful climb along Santa Barbara Canyon to the flanks of Madulce Peak and site of the historic cabin

• Length: 8 miles roundtrip
• Rating: Moderate
• Location: Mt. Pinos
• Highlights: Highest points in the Los Padres NF; granite-clad peaks and towering pines and firs
• Rate: $250 per person; minimum party of 2
• Summary: Traverse Mt Pinos and Sawmill Mountain before dropping into Sheep Camp (the highest trail camp in the forest)

• Length: 20 miles out and back
• Rating: Moderate
• Location: Sespe Wilderness (Upper Ojai)
• Highlights: Hot springs, the Lagomarsino cabin, fascinating geology and outstanding views
• Rate: $250 per person; minimum party of 2
• Summary: A 10-mile trek from the former Lion Camp to the former Willett and Lagomarsino inholdings; enjoy great camping and comradery while soaking in the tub

• Length: 35 miles out and back
• Rating: Moderately strenuous (distance)
• Location: Sespe Wilderness (Upper Ojai)
• Highlights: Fantastic views; hot springs; possible condor and bighorn sheep sightings
• Rate: $350 per person; minimum party of 2
• Summary: A 3-day trek with nights at Willett Hot Springs and the famous Sespe Hot Springs. Day 3 is a 17-mile march back up-river — good times!

• Length: 18.5-mile one-way (shuttle)
• Rating: Moderate to moderately strenuous
• Location: Upper Ojai
• Highlights: Expansive views of the Cuyama Valley and Sespe River drainage; incense cedar and sugar pine stands; the Piedra Blanca formation
• Rate: $350 per person; minimum party of 2
• Summary: Up-and-over of the Pine Mountain massif from Reyes Creek to Piedra Blanca along the National Recreation Trail — outstanding trail camp options along the way

Choose from any of the overnight treks in Craig's guide, Hiking & Backpacking Santa Barbara & Ventura. 1-night treks are generally $200-250 per person (2-person minimum), depending on the location and mileage. Add $100 per person for each additional night (e.g. 2-night trip would be $350 per person)

Or, choose your own destination! Please contact us to discuss additional destinations, rates may vary depending on location, mileage, and logistics.