Belly Ache Springs, Ojai, CA

## Overview Belly Ache Springs is a piped natural mineral spring located along Highway 33 in the mountains above Ojai, California, within the Los Padres National Forest in Ventura County. The spring sits near mile marker 22 on the Maricopa Highway, just past Wheeler Gorge, and is accompanied by a scenic roadside waterfall. The spring's colorful name has a story behind it: early travelers along this route would become extremely thirsty on the long, hot journey through the mountains. Upon reaching this cold, clear water source, they would drink far too much, too fast — giving themselves a stomach ache. The name stuck, not because the water is harmful, but as a humorous nod to the overenthusiasm of parched travelers. Visitors have described the water as having a clear mineral taste with very little sediment. The water flows cool but not ice-cold, and it is piped for easy collection. The spring is part of the historic Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway (Highway 33), a route recognized by the U.S. Forest Service for its outstanding natural and cultural features. ## Directions 1. **From Ojai**, head north on Highway 33 (Maricopa Highway) toward Maricopa. 2. Pass Matilija Canyon and continue through Wheeler Gorge. 3. Continue a few miles further until you reach **mile marker 22**. 4. Watch for a **waterfall on your left** (west side of the road) — this is your landmark. 5. If you're heading north, there is a **dirt pullout area** where you can park. 6. From the waterfall, hike up the hill past the waterfall. The piped spring is located approximately **100 feet to the left** of the waterfall when facing it. 7. The spring is not far from the road and is relatively easy to access for filling containers. **GPS Coordinates:** 34.5303°N, -119.2707°W *Note: The spring is accessible at all times, but it is strongly recommended to visit during daylight hours, as the mountain road and trail to the spring can be difficult to navigate in the dark.* ## What to Expect Belly Ache Springs is a rewarding stop along one of Southern California's most scenic mountain drives. The waterfall beside the road serves as a clear landmark, and the short uphill hike to the piped spring is manageable for most visitors. The water flows from a pipe, making it straightforward to fill bottles or jugs. The flow has been reported as steady, though conditions may vary seasonally — spring and early summer, when snowmelt feeds the watershed, tend to offer the strongest flow. The surrounding landscape is classic Los Padres National Forest: rugged chaparral-covered hillsides, oak woodlands, and dramatic canyon views. Parking is informal — a dirt pullout on the northbound side of Highway 33 near the waterfall. There are no facilities, restrooms, or signage at the spring itself, so come prepared. The area is a popular corridor for hikers, campers, and scenic drivers, and nearby Wheeler Gorge Campground offers additional recreation opportunities if you'd like to extend your visit. For more information about the spring and the broader Ojai springs community, the Ojai Spring Revival project (ojaispringrevival.com) has historically documented local water sources in the region.