Pratt Trail Loop

The Pratt Trail Loop leads hikers from Ojai, California to the Nordhoff Peak. It is one of two trails that take this path and each of the trails offers different features. Pratt is the steeper of the two and it about a mile and a half shorter, but offers more elevation changes. The tread is less rocky on the Pratt, but there are some decomposed granite areas where the stone hangs a little loose. Bikers are able to share the Pratt with hikers and the last mile of the trail is well-known among mountain bikers as being a particularly fun pass. The trailhead of the Pratt is at the Stewart Canyon Debris Basin. The path starts rocky and winds through a residential area for about a mile. Pavement leads travelers up to a fire road for a mile and then onto a single track. This is climbed just under three miles to Nordhoff Ridge and then there is another mile that leads up to the peak. The area is a very popular spot for geocaching and many of those who participate live near the trail. Geocaches are usually about every quarter mile. The total length of the trail is 4.6 miles with a 100 foot climb and descent of 3,100 feet.