Rose Valley Falls
in Los Padres National Forest
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Rose Valley Falls is a magnificent two-tier 300 foot waterfall. Located on the southern end of the Los Padres Mountains, it is the tallest waterfall in the range.
A half-mile gradual trail leads to the base of the lower falls. Bays and Oaks provide enjoyable shade along a straightforward track. The lower falls is short and pleasant, but the upper falls is long and impressive. However, much like Escondido Falls in Malibu, the trail from the lower falls to the upper is difficult and unmaintained. There are numerous footpaths that bold hikes have created to get above the lower falls. This is because there isn’t really a good route up. Exercise caution when attempting to reach the upper falls as it requires a good deal of scrambling. If it is above your skill or comfort level, stay behind and relax by the lower falls.
Lower Rose Valley Falls
The most obvious route was to the left of the lower falls. Cross the dirt bank along a thin footpath. From there follow the ridgeline up through the brush. Catch your breath when you reach the top of the rise. The stunning upper falls is in sight. Carefully descend the hill of gravel scree down to the creek. Then boulder up to the foot of the falls.
In the summer, the water trickled down the long elegant black rock. The falls were enjoyable then, but early spring is the time to see this great falls at its boldest.
Upper Rose Valley Falls
To get to the trailhead: Take the 101 north through Ventura. Exit on highway 33. Take the 33 through Ojai and into the Los Padres National Forest. Fifteen miles past Ojai, take the Sespe Road turnoff. There will be a sign for Rose Canyon Falls. Drive 3 more miles and turn right on Chief Peak Road which ends at the trailhead and campsite after half a mile. Display your adventure pass and start up the trail.
Use the map below to create your own directions:
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Nearby Trails
 | Wheeler Gorge This 1-mile loop explores the forest around this 70-site Campground. |
 | Sespe Creek to Willett Hot Springs This 19-miles round trip follows Sespe Creek to a relaxing hot springs. |
 | Tangerine Falls This 2.5-mile hike visits a beautiful waterfall on the edge of Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara. |
 | More Central Coast Hikes Explore other destinations along the California coast between Ventura and Monterey, including trails in Los Padres National Forest. |
Similar Trails
 | Nojoqui Falls This short 0.65-mile hike visits an 80-foot tall fern-lined waterfall. |
 | McWay Falls This 0.6-mile hike looks out on a stunning Big Sur waterfall that pours 80 feet right on to the beach. |
 | Salmon Creek Falls This 0.6-mile hike visits a fine 120-foot waterfall near the start of Salmon Creek Trail. |
 | Escondido Falls in the Santa Monica Mountains This 4-mile out and back visits a 200 foot waterfall that is split into two tiers. The upper tier is 150 feet tall and stunning after a rainstorm. |
 | Millard Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains This one mile hike visits a 50-foot waterfall up one of the most scenic canyons in the San Gabriels. |
 | Fish Canyon Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains This 4-mile hike starts at a rock quarry with restricted access and ends up at a multi-tiered 80-foot waterfall. |
 | San Antonio Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains This 1.2-mile hike visits a multi-tier waterfall along the trail to Mt. Baldy. |
 | Tokopah Falls in Sequoia National Park This gradual 3.4-mile hike visits the base of the tallest waterfall in Sequoia National Park. |
 | Lower Yosemite Fall in Yosemite National Park This electrifying 1.2-mile hike delivers visitors to the base of the tallest waterfall in North America. |
Camping
There is a free first-come first-serve campground right at the trailhead where nine sites for car campers are circled close together in a field. Rose Valley Campground sports views of the falls but lacks privacy. Not far away there is another small free site, Middle Lion Campground, that offers more shade and privacy. A bit further to the east is the Sespe Wilderness where backcountry camping is free and easy. If you intend to explore either of these options, arrive early or off weekend. Late comes looking to camp will end up down the mountain at Wheeler Gorge Campground where the going rate is $20 a night (and $5 for addition vehicles). Consult the Forest Service website for more camping options.
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