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Harmon Canyon Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 181 Google reviews · Running trail in Ventura, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Harmon Canyon Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area offering multiple trails with varied difficulty levels, plus wildflowers.
What runners say about Harmon Canyon Preserve
“First time at harmon canyon absolutely breathtaking hiking trails beautiful view of ventura from the top of the mountains”
“Wear sunscreens and bring plenty of water on hot days since there's not many shaded areas.”
The spring flowers don't last long! Go see them before they are gone! Great trails here even when it's dusty and brown. I love trekking up the skinny, windy trails and taking a rest under a big oak tree
I arrived at Harmon Canyon Preserve at 2:50pm and it was about 84° it kept heating up until it was a little under 90° and finished around 5:13pm. Doing a total of 6 miles It is pretty difficult to get lost here but I still highly recommend taking a picture of the map they have at the start of the trail.
Peaceful scenery with multiple pathways for hiking, running, biking or walking your pup. The wildflowers and hills are delightful.
One of my go to hiking spots in Ventura. It has several trails at different difficulty levels. Trails for mountain biking, trails for kids, trails for someone looking for a decent challenge. Great views of Ventura. It is at its peak during the spring with lots of wildflowers, birds, bees and butterflies.
Trail conditions & character
“First time at harmon canyon absolutely breathtaking hiking trails beautiful view of ventura from the top of the mountains”
“If you want to do a wicked climb, you can head right to the top of the adjacent mountain and ride it down.”
“Great place to hike in Ventura, plenty of parking, and a lot of friendly people along the way!”
“My, "hike" started with trail 101, took a left at the fork on the road which led me all the way to the, "No dogs beyond this point" sign.”
“Wear sunscreens and bring plenty of water on hot days since there's not many shaded areas.”
Plan your run at Harmon Canyon Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteventuralandtrust.org
- Phone(805) 643-8044
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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