My family and I went to Matilija Canyon (just outside of Ojai) right before school started back in January. I was anxious to take a trip where the kids could run around outside unsupervised for more than five minutes, ride bikes, breathe fresh air, get dirty and maybe see an animal or two.
Our trip to the Dent House Ranch was all that and more. As you can tell from the wine post above, I am a huge fan of Ojai. Being that it is only 85 short, manageable, mostly traffic free miles from LA, it has automatic appeal. It's also amazingly beautiful, peaceful and has a health food store in town (Rainbow Bridge). A Definate PLUS!
The ranch is pretty nice. It is miles off the main road so you really feel away from it all. The trip to town is easily 20 minutes each way, as the roads are very curvy. There is a good bit of area for children to roam around and the ranch sits at the mouth of the Los Padres National Forrest which has trails with breathtaking views. We rented the Farmhouse, one of three rental properties on the ranch. I probably wouldn't do that again. It's an older house with two bedrooms, so it's a little small for our family of five.
You'll want to be careful choosing the season for your visit. I hear summer can be very hot in the Ojai Valley and just an FYI, the water to all the houses is supplied by the sulphur springs. So... while good for the body, we tired of the smell. All that being said, if you want to slow down and spend quality time with your family, you will be more than pleased with a trip to the Dent House Ranch. www.thedenthouseranch.com
