Old Man Mountain is a landmark on the ridge separating Ventura County and Santa Barbara County. The weather gauges on this 5400' mountain often record the highest rainfall in southern California.
Matilija Canyon drains from this high ridge down to its confluence with the North Fork Matilija Creek, marking the headwaters of the Ventura River.
This unique view is accessed either through a long climb up from Murietta Divide, or the even longer ridge traverse from the trailhead at Pine Mountain summit off Highway 33. We took the latter route, a 30 mile ride back to the highway.
