Located 80 miles north-west of of Downtown Los Angeles, Ojai is an edenic Ventura County town which has retained its original charm while benefiting from its orbital relationship to L.A.. Named after the Ventureño Chumash word for “moon”, Ojai is home to 7,600 residents who are cradled by Sulphur Mountain to the south, with Los Padres National Forest and Wheeler Springs further inland to the north

Caravan Outpost has witnessed the gentle ascendency of Ojai as it has grown in popularity among Los Angeleans and Pacific coast travellers. The hotel takes a minimalist approach which is bohemian and communal, not unlike El Cosmico located 1,000 miles south-east in West Texas.  

The hotel is made up of 11 airstreams arranged in an horseshoe orientation around a communal seating area. An onsite shop sells general goods, but otherwise there are no other facilities. Bikes are free to use by guests for making the short cycle to town for groceries, light bites, drinks and dining.

For eating in Ojai, cross through town to Farmer and the Cook for healthy lunches and produce – visit The Dutchess for a formal setting.

Training Notes

Runners can embrace the weaving Ojai Valley Trail (OVT) and run in the direction of Ventura, or the choose the quieter, flat lanes that connect the town. Running the roadways throughout Ojai is safe, with wide verges sometimes reinforced with concrete pathways. A third option is to go across to Nordhoff Junior High & High School to use their 400m running track (Google Maps).

Cyclists can drop down the coast via Ventura (town), using the quieter OVT for the slower return uphill. The 77km / 737vm (48.5 miles / 2700 ft) Casitas Pass Loop covers both of these in a simple, anti-clockwise route with only a few turns to memorize. A punchier out-and-back route is Pine Mountain – over 100km in length with nearly 2000m of climbing. See other routes for Gravel and MTB options including Sulphur Mountain.

For road bike rentals in Ojai, get in touch with The Mob Shop who stock the Specialized Roubaix. Just note they’re closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Swimmers should visit Ojai Valley Athletics Club where you can swim and gym on a day pass.

For more information, visit caravanoutpostojai.com