OPEN DAILY FROM SUNRISE TO SUNDOWN
BIG ROCK PRESERVE
Big Rock Preserve protects 20 acres of a vital section of the Ventura River.
Just downstream from Foster Park and alongside the Ojai-Ventura Bike Trail, Big Rock Preserve is one of only a few places along the lower Ventura River with year round surface water, hosting species like the southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) and belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon). As VLT’s longest held property, thousands of volunteers have supported restoration efforts in the Preserve over the last decade–from removing invasive arundo grass (Arundo donax) to planting native species after impacts from the Thomas Fire.
Big Rock Preserve is located just south of Foster Park along the Ojai-Ventura Bike Trail. There are two entrances to Big Rock.
North Entrance: Take Hwy 33, exit at Casitas Vistas Road, turn right and park underneath the Hwy 33 overpass. Walk towards the bike trail and turn left. Continue south for approx. 1/4 mile along the dirt path adjacent to the Ojai-Ventura Bike Trail until you see the Big Rock preserve entrance on the right (look for the kiosk, bench and bike rack under the pepper tree).
South Entrance: Take Hwy 33, exit at Casitas Vistas Vista Road. Turn right and continue straight (under the highway) on North Ventura Ave. Parking is available along North Ventura Ave. Walk north to the break in the fence and take a right along the dirt path adjacent to the Ojai-Ventura Bike Trail. Continue north for approx. 1/4 mile until you see the Big Rock preserve entrance on the left (look for the kiosk, bench and bike rack under the pepper tree).
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Do you want to be apart of our volunteer community?
Help us keep Big Rock Preserve beautiful. Keep an eye on our volunteer page and consider signing up as a docent!