By Colin FosterUpdated November 2026
Anyone searching for bike trails in Ojai usually wants one of two things: a way to find real riding terrain in the Ojai Valley and surrounding Los Padres foothills, or a reliable reference that explains which routes suit which skill level. This selection looks at four published resources that cover trail riding around Ojai and the wider Ventura County backcountry. The criteria were the geographic scope of each guide, whether it covers mountain biking or paved rail trails, how clearly it describes routes, the publisher’s track record in cycling guidebooks, and the general patterns owners and readers report about usefulness. None of these were ridden or field-checked for this article.
Best overall: Best Bicycle Park & Rail Trails in Ontario – View on Amazon
Best for mountain bikers: Best Mountain Bike Trails in Ontario – View on Amazon
Best for paved and rail trail riders: Ontario’s Bike Paths and Rail Trails – View on Amazon
Best budget pick for active travelers: Run Hike Bike Prague! – View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Best Bicycle Park & Rail Trails in Ontario – Volume 2 | Broad off-road and car-free trail planning | 60 routes described in one volume |
| Best Mountain Bike Trails in Ontario: 55 MTB Locations | Dedicated mountain bikers | 55 mountain bike locations |
| Ontario’s Bike Paths and Rail Trails | Paved and rail trail riders | Focus on bike paths and converted rail corridors |
| Run Hike Bike Prague! | Travelers who want GPS files and local detail | 30 downloadable GPS routes |
Best Bicycle Park & Rail Trails in Ontario – Volume 2
Best Bicycle Park & Rail Trails in Ontario – Volume 2: 60 Car Free, Off- Road Bike Trails Reviewed (Bicycle Trail Guides of Ontario)
Best for: Riders who want a wide mix of off-road and car-free routes in one book
This volume is aimed at riders who prefer to scan a broad set of options before choosing a day’s ride. Its listing describes sixty car-free and off-road bike trails, which makes it a useful planning tool if you are building a multi-route itinerary rather than committing to a single trail system. Readers who use it to compare terrain types tend to find it helpful for deciding between gravel, singletrack and rail corridor rides.
Note that the title refers to Ontario, not California. Ojai is in Ventura County, so you should check coverage against your intended routes before buying. If you are looking specifically for Ojai-area terrain, treat this as a regional reference rather than a local map.
Key specs
- Volume 2 of a series, covering sixty trails
- Focus on car-free and off-road routes
- Written as a reviewed trail guide format
Pros
- Large number of routes in a single volume
- Clear separation between car-free and off-road options
- Useful for comparing trail types side by side
Cons
- Regional focus is Ontario, not Ojai or California
- Printed guides can date quickly if trails change
Bottom line: A good pick for riders who want a broad trail reference and are willing to adapt an out-of-region guide to their own planning.
Best Mountain Bike Trails in Ontario: 55 MTB Locations
Best Mountain Bike Trails in Ontario: 55 MTB Locations (Bicycle Trail Guides of Ontario)
Best for: Mountain bikers who want a dedicated off-road focus
This guide narrows the scope to mountain biking, covering 55 locations. For riders who want singletrack and technical terrain rather than rail trails, a mountain-only guide is more efficient than a general bike trail book, because you do not have to filter out paved routes.
As with the other Ontario titles here, the regional focus means it will not map Ojai’s own trails. Use it to understand what good mountain bike guidebook content looks like, and cross-check route details against current land manager sources before riding.
Key specs
- Covers 55 mountain bike locations
- Dedicated to off-road MTB riding
Pros
- Mountain-only focus keeps the content relevant
- Location count gives a wide range of options
- Good fit for riders who skip paved routes entirely
Cons
- Not focused on Ojai or California terrain
- Does not cover rail trails or paved paths
Bottom line: The right choice for mountain bikers comparing guidebook styles, though Ojai riders will need local supplements.
Ontario’s Bike Paths and Rail Trails
Ontario's Bike Paths and Rail Trails
Best for: Paved path and rail trail riders who prefer smooth, low-traffic routes
Rail trails are a good match for riders who want predictable grades and steady surfaces. This title centers on bike paths and converted rail corridors, which are often the easiest way to ride longer distances without navigating technical singletrack. It suits casual riders, families and anyone building a touring day around a rail corridor.
Again, the geography is Ontario. Ojai’s rail-to-trail options are limited compared with larger metro areas, so pair this kind of guide with local county trail maps for the Ventura area.
Key specs
- Focus on bike paths and rail trails
- Oriented toward paved and smooth surfaces
Pros
- Good for low-stress, steady-grade riding
- Useful for planning point-to-point rail corridor rides
- Appeals to riders who want to avoid technical terrain
Cons
- Not a mountain bike guide and skips singletrack
- Regional scope does not match Ojai directly
Bottom line: Best for riders who prioritize smooth surfaces and rail corridors over off-road challenge.
Run Hike Bike Prague!
Run Hike Bike Prague!: Trails, trips and tips for active travelers. Plus, 30 downloadable GPS routes to landmarks, villages, forests and pubs.
Best for: Active travelers who want GPS route files and local detail
This title is a travel guide for Prague rather than a California trail resource, so it is the least directly relevant pick for Ojai. It is included because its structure, which pairs written trip descriptions with downloadable GPS routes, is a model many riders find useful when combining cycling with hiking and local exploration. If you travel and want a single book that covers multiple activities, it is worth a look.
Key specs
- Covers trails, trips and tips for active travelers
- Includes 30 downloadable GPS routes
Pros
- Downloadable GPS files simplify navigation
- Covers multiple activities in one book
- Written with a practical travel focus
Cons
- Geographically unrelated to Ojai
- Covers hiking and cycling, so bike content may be partial
Bottom line: Only consider this if you plan to travel to Prague or want a multi-activity format for other destinations.
Buying Guide
Geographic scope
Check that the guide covers the area you plan to ride. Several titles here focus on Ontario or Prague, so they are useful for method but not for Ojai’s specific routes. For local planning, combine a book with current maps from the Los Padres National Forest and Ventura County agencies. Our route notes on Sedona Arizona Bike Trails: A Route Guide With Miles, Climbs and Where to Stay show the kind of detail that makes a regional guide genuinely practical.
Good picks for this: Best Bicycle Park & Rail Trails in Ontario – Volume 2, Run Hike Bike Prague!
Trail type: mountain bike or rail trail
Decide whether you want singletrack, gravel, paved paths or rail corridors. Mountain-focused guides serve technical riders, while rail trail guides serve those who want steady grades. Riders who want both should look for broader volumes. If you ride mainly singletrack, see also Mountain Bike Trails Sedona Arizona: 8 Routes for Every Skill Level for how route descriptions can be organized by difficulty.
Good picks for this: Best Mountain Bike Trails in Ontario: 55 MTB Locations, Ontario’s Bike Paths and Rail Trails
Route detail and distances
Look for guides that state distance, elevation gain and surface type for each route. Without these numbers, it is hard to plan a ride that matches your fitness. A useful standard is at least one-way distance plus total climb in feet.
Good picks for this: Best Bicycle Park & Rail Trails in Ontario – Volume 2, Best Mountain Bike Trails in Ontario: 55 MTB Locations
Downloadable files and navigation
GPS files and printable maps reduce the risk of getting lost, especially in backcountry areas where cell coverage is patchy. Confirm whether a book includes downloadable tracks and whether they work with your device.
Good picks for this: Run Hike Bike Prague!
Skill level and difficulty
Match the guide to your ability. Beginners do best with rail trails and paved paths, while experienced riders may want technical singletrack descriptions with difficulty ratings. Read the sample pages if available.
Good picks for this: Ontario’s Bike Paths and Rail Trails, Best Mountain Bike Trails in Ontario: 55 MTB Locations
Publication date and currency
Trail access changes with closures, fire damage and land management decisions. Check the publication year and whether the publisher updates the guide. For Ojai in particular, verify current closures with land managers before you ride.
Good picks for this: Best Bicycle Park & Rail Trails in Ontario – Volume 2
Portability and format
A printed book is convenient at home but awkward on a bike. If you plan to ride with the guide, a compact layout or a digital companion file is more practical.
Good picks for this: Run Hike Bike Prague!, Ontario’s Bike Paths and Rail Trails
FAQ
What are the best bike trails in Ojai for beginners?
Beginners usually do best on lower-grade, smoother routes. Check current access notices from local land managers, and consider paved or gently graded options before attempting singletrack. Rail trail guides are often the most approachable starting point.
Are there mountain bike trails near Ojai?
Yes, the Ojai Valley and nearby Los Padres foothills include riding areas. Trail conditions, permitted uses and closures change, so confirm routes with the managing agency before you go.
Do I need a guidebook to ride in Ojai?
A guidebook is helpful but not required. Current maps, a GPS app with offline tracks and local knowledge all help. For backcountry riding, carry a map that works without cell signal.
Are the books in this list specific to Ojai?
No. Several titles focus on Ontario or Prague. They are useful for planning method and general trail types, but you should use Ojai-specific sources for local routes.
What should I check before buying a trail guide?
Check the geographic scope, trail type covered, publication year, route detail (distance and climb), and whether downloadable GPS files are included.
Is it safe to ride the trails around Ojai alone?
Riding alone carries added risk, especially in remote terrain. Tell someone your route and expected return time, carry water, a repair kit and a means of communication, and check weather. This is general guidance; consult local land managers or a qualified outdoor safety resource for conditions specific to your ride.
How do I find current trail closures near Ojai?
Check the websites of the Los Padres National Forest and Ventura County parks departments before riding. Closures and fire restrictions can change quickly.
Conclusion
For bike trails in Ojai, no single title here covers the valley directly, so treat these picks as planning tools. The Ontario mountain bike guide suits riders focused on singletrack. The Ontario rail trail guide suits those who prefer smooth, low-stress corridors. The volume with sixty routes works for broad comparison. The Prague title is only relevant if you travel there or want a multi-activity format. Combine any of these with current Ojai-area maps and land manager notices for the most accurate planning.
Sources
- Land management information for national forest trails, including closures and access rules (fs.usda.gov)
- Guidance on trail etiquette, safety and planning for outdoor recreation (nps.gov)
- General guidance on physical activity and planning for outdoor exercise (cdc.gov)
Related reading
- Sedona MTB Bike Trails: 7 Routes With Miles, Climbs and Tips
- Sedona Arizona Bike Trails: A Route Guide With Miles, Climbs and Where to Stay
- Sedona AZ Mountain Bike Trails: 8 Routes With Miles, Climbs and Tips
- San Jose Bike Trails: 7 Best Routes and Guides Compared
- Salt Lake City Bike Trails: 7 Routes, Distances and Where to Ride
- Rocky Hill Ranch Mountain Bike Trails: 6 Best Maps and Guides for 2026
About Colin Foster
Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our bike touring & bikepacking guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
