On May 12, Ventura Land Trust secured an important victory in its fight to keep Hall Canyon Road and Ventura Hills Nature Preserve open to the public. A judge denied Chevron and Aera Energy’s motion for a preliminary injunction that sought to close public access to Hall Canyon Road and Ventura Land Trust’s trailhead during ongoing litigation.
In the ruling, the Court cited Chevron’s failure to present competent evidence supporting their request. This is a meaningful step forward and a powerful reminder that community voices matter. Ventura Hills Nature Preserve represents more than 25 years of community effort, public investment, and conservation work. Public access to this landscape has always been central to that vision.
Chevron and Aera’s lawsuit against Ventura Land Trust remains ongoing, and the legal process ahead may be long, complex, and expensive. The ruling allows public access to remain open for now, but continued public engagement and community support will be critical in the months ahead.
Hall Canyon is located in the hills above Midtown Ventura, approximately 0.5 miles northeast of Ventura High School. It serves as the primary entrance to the Ventura Hills Nature Preserve, a 1,645-acre protected area that officially opened to the public in early 2026.
Ventura Land Trust remains fully committed to defending public access and protecting the future of Ventura Hills Nature Preserve for generations to come.
