About this spot
From Camarillo, take Highway 101 North and exit at Central Avenue, turning right for several miles. Turn right onto Santa Clara, Rose, or Vineyard Road. At Highway 118, turn left and continue until it intersects Highway 126, then head east toward Santa Paula. Exit onto Highway 150 and drive to Ojai. For a shorter option with a smaller jump, visit the area near Thomas Aquinas College and ask locals for directions to Punchbowls, which requires a substantial hike but features a notable jump and maintains a well-established trail due to its popularity. For the main site, turn right on Highway 33 and drive about 5 miles to Matilija Road—specifically the second road with this name; the first Matilija Road near Wheeler's Campground is not the correct route. Old Matilija Road is relatively level, but the correct road climbs steeply up the mountain, requiring low gear throughout. Drive to the gate and park on the left side. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required. Walk through the gate heading north. A defined trail exists for roughly the first 2 miles, after which conditions deteriorate significantly, with the final mile being particularly challenging. The full 5-mile hike is considerably longer than most people anticipate. Rock climbing ability and comfort with ropes are necessary to access the Upper Falls, where the main jump is located.