Hike Sisar Peak and Chief Peak via Lion Canyon Trail Los Padres National Forest, CA

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Apr 29, 2026 — For my final California coast hike of this trip, I chose to hike to Sisar Peak and Chief Peak in the Topatopa Mountains, outside of Ojai. These two peaks are normally approached from the south due to easier access from civilization via the Horn Canyon Trail or the Sisar Canyon Trail. Since I’d already hiked Hines Peak from that direction, I wanted to approach from the north. This would also allow me to check out the Rose Valley Falls area.

On my drive in the night before, a couple in a sports car sped past me and, shortly afterward, spun out on the tight mountain roads (I think they were ultimately fine?). I had to drive back to get cell reception and call for help, which kept my mind active late into the night. This also meant I slept in and therefore couldn’t spare the extra time at the end of my hike to visit the 100-foot, moss-covered Rose Valley Falls themselves, despite it being just a short spur trail. I was happy to at least see the thin stream of water tumbling off the cliff a mile away from the trailhead.

I parked at a pullout just outside the Rose Valley Campground and started along the Rose-Lion Connector Trail, which led up and over a hump before descending into Lion Canyon Creek. Here, I picked up the Lion Canyon Trail heading south to a junction. The left and right forks both continued up the canyons, while the trail straight ahead began climbing out of the canyon and along the slopes, making steady progress toward Nordhoff Road above. The trail was well maintained and offered nice views into the scrubby hillsides, along with some cool rock formations within the canyons.

I took Nordhoff Road up to Sisar Peak, which is topped with communication towers. I then followed its western ridge off-trail back down to the road, a steep endeavor with some brush I needed to avoid. I continued along Nordhoff Road until I reached the southern base of Chief Peak, where I picked up an excellent social trail that led all the way to the summit. Along the way was a bit of easy Class 2 scrambling on large white boulders.

A direct drop off the north side of Chief Peak would have required tougher scrambling, but a Class 2 wraparound on the west side allowed me to locate a trail leading north and back down to Nordhoff Road. More road walking brought me to the junction with Rose Valley Lake Road, which I followed all the way back to the trailhead. Despite much of this hike being on roads, I didn’t see any vehicles (except for a road grading machine, whose driver I had to get the attention of in order to pass), and it turned out to be a lovely day along the crest of the Topatopa Mountains.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Sisar Peak

5524 ft

384 rise

Chief Peak

5588 ft

858 rise

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I started just outside the Rose Valley Falls Campground. Rose Valley Falls seen left of center.

Along the Rose-Lion Connector Trail.

Pretty morning light along a creek, which the Rose-Lion Connector Trail paralleled.

Thorn Point seen to the north (left).

Dropping down toward Lion Canyon Creek.

Crossing Lion Canyon Creek.

Junction with the Lion Canyon Trail.

The Lion Canyon Trail ascends the ridge seen center. The two forks lead lead in the canyons on either side of that ridge.

Trail junction.

Casual ascent along the Lion Canyon Trail up along the slopes.

View back into Lion Canyon Creek.

A section of the trail led across a steep volcanic slope.

View back.

Nice scenery into the deep canyons below the Lion Canyon Trail.

View back.

The Lion Canyon Trail ascends to the ridge seen top left.

View back just before reaching Nordhoff Road.

Nordhoff Road.

A quick hike up Nordhoff Road to reach Sisar Peak, seen ahead.

Sisar Peak, view toward Topatopa Bluff.

I headed down Sisar Peak's west ridge. Chief Peak seen right of center.

After a length hike on Nordhoff Road, I reached the base of Chief Peak, seen ahead. On the left is a well-cairned social trail that led up to the summit.

Heading up Chief Peak, view back. Sisar Peak seen far left.

Trail leading up Chief Peak.

Some light Class 2 along the way.

Chief Peak, view toward Topatopa Bluff and Hines Peak.

Chief Peak, view south.

View north toward Thorn Point, Piedra Blanca, and the Sespe Wilderness.

West ridge of Chief Peak. I wrapped left around a small cliff to reach the ridge.

Class 2 descent from Chief Peak.

View back up toward Chief Peak. The Class 2 route came from the right in the photo, avoiding the little cliff.

Back on Nordhoff Road.

Nordhoff Road, view back toward Chief Peak.

I took Rose Valley Lake Road back down to the trailhead.

Rose Valley Falls seen from above along the way down.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!