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Serra Cross
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,103 Google reviews · Running trail in Ventura, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Serra Cross' 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.
Time-tested wooden cross with a storied past, nearby hiking trails & panoramic hilltop water views.
What runners say about Serra Cross
“Perched high above the city, it offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline, downtown Ventura, and even the Channel Islands on a clear day.”
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Father Serra Cross – Ventura, CA Father Serra Cross (The Cross) is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Ventura.”
This park has the most impeccable scenic view. And to top it off the wooden cross is beautiful. To see the view of the city and the beach to relax and take in a breath of fresh air. Getting here is easy lots of loops driving up a hill.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Father Serra Cross – Ventura, CA Father Serra Cross (The Cross) is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Ventura. The views are absolutely breathtaking — you can see the ocean, the mountains, and the entire city all at once. It feels like you're looking at a postcard come to life.
Perched high above the city, the park offers breathtaking panoramic views of Ventura, the coastline, and the Channel Islands on a clear day. Sunset is pure magic up here! The park is small and simple & parking can be a little tight, especially at sunset, so be prepared to park further down and walk up the hill.
Picturesque views of Ventura and the ocean from a different vantage point. A beautiful cross is perched on top of a high hill near downtown, and offers a variety of easy hiking trails that branch off from the focal point. On a relatively clear day, you can see all the Channel Islands too.
Trail conditions & character
“Perched high above the city, it offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline, downtown Ventura, and even the Channel Islands on a clear day.”
“The park is small and simple & parking can be a little tight, especially at sunset, so be prepared to park further down and walk up the hill.”
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Father Serra Cross – Ventura, CA Father Serra Cross (The Cross) is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Ventura.”
“The light, the view, and the stillness of the space made it such a powerful backdrop for capturing something real and effortless.”
“A beautiful cross is perched on top of a high hill near downtown, and offers a variety of easy hiking trails that branch off from the focal point.”
Plan your run at Serra Cross
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteserracrosspark.org
- Phone(805) 648-3008
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8:30 PM |
Running trails near Ventura
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Grant Park
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Surfers Point at Seaside Park
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Seaside Wilderness Park
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