Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center


Area Status: Closed

Smokey Bear at the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center

The Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center is located 8 miles north of Ojai on Highway 33 and is open from 9:00am - 3:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The visitor center provides the public with recreation information on the Los Padres National Forest including day hiking and backpacking opportunities on the Ojai Ranger District. Maps, trail guides, forest-related books, Adventure Passes and other items are available for purchase at the center.

The Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center also serves as a hub for interpretive and educational activities and programs. Programs are offered on Saturdays May through September. For summer 2022 program information, please visit the Los Padres Forest Association website or call the visitor center on weekends at (805) 640-9060 or contact info@lpforest.org.

Available at Wheeler

  • Information about trails and trail camps on the Ojai Ranger District (Sespe and Matilija Wilderness areas)
  • Local hiking trail/wilderness maps
  • Adventure Passes
  • Books and other interpretive information
  • Snacks, drinks and other forest related memorabilia
  • Conference room/ classroom equipped with audiovisual equipment
  • Outdoor classroom under the trees
  • A large parking area and
  • Outside picnic area.

Note: Interagency passes (Annual, Senior, Access and Military) are NOT available at the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center. Contact the Forest Headquarters for Interagency Pass information at (805) 448-6487.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Temporarily closed due to Hwy 33 closure
Area Amenities: Interpretive Site,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Best Season: Summer
Busiest Season: Summer
Closest Towns: Ojai, California
Water: Yes
Restroom: Yes
Operated By: Los Padres Forest Association
Information Center: Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center
17017 Maricopa Highway
Ojai, CA 93023
Telephone: (805) 640-9060 Sat and Sun, 9-3

General Information

Directions:

From Ventura, take Highway 33 towards Ojai at the “Y” intersection (by the Vons shopping center) turn left on Hwy 33 for 8 miles. From Carpinteria, take Hwy 150 east until you connect with Hwy 33 and turn left at the intersection.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Interpretive Areas

Visitor Centers

Amenities

Interpretive Site: Contact info@lpforest.org for Summer 2022 Saturday program information or call (805) 640-9060 on weekends from 9-3
Picnic tables: yes
Toilets: yes
Parking: yes
Drinking water: Bottled drinking water is available for purchase

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
34.5112

  Longitude : 
-119.2742