Couch Rock

Driving up Gridley Road away from Ojai you’ll come upon a small parking lot on your left and a gate barring the way to a dirt road. Park here, as close to the mountainside as possible and head onto the trail. 

Follow the trail until you see pass a bench, and start heading downhill. Keep your eyes peeled, and look on your right. You’ll find a small trail heading up a steep hill. Beware here, for there is almost always poison oak. It’s definitely avoidable, but it’s also easy to get covered if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Once you’re on top of that hill, head left up the even steeper and even longer hill trail. Reach the top, and head right (it’s mostly straight) over a small sandstone boulder to find your final trail. Climb the last few hundred feet, and just ahead of you will be the Couch! It is unmistakable, and you will be stoked to see it. Head around it to the left side, and scramble up the sandstone to get to your sofa. Crack a beer, eat a chocolate bar, or do whatever you do when you get to cool places. 

It usually takes me about 40 minutes from Car to the Couch, and i’ll spend anywhere from 20 minutes to a couple hours enjoying the view and watching the sunset. It’s a sure treat, and a great idea for an active date or a time of reflection. 

For the foodie:

My recommendation after hiking to Couch Rock is Tortilla House for Al Pastor street tacos if it’s day time. They are the best street tacos in California, hands down. If you don’t believe me, just ask me. If it’s night time after going for a sunset hike to the couch, head over to Papa Lennon’s and enjoy a courtyard covered in vines, peaceful music, and an atmosphere that will keep you coming back. I like to order the Blackened Chicken Caesar Roll-Up and you can never go wrong with their house sangria or Scrimshaw on tap.