Why Trails By Potter? 

Covid Update: We are open for all activities!

Trails by Potter was formed in 1999 by Ian & Stacy Potter. At that time, the Ojai Valley Bike Trail had been lengthened from Foster Park in Casitas Springs all the way down to Ventura State Beach. When Ian asked Stacy, “I wonder why no one in this gorgeous Valley takes people down to the beach on their bikes?”, to which Stacy replied, “Why not?” So, after putting their heads together and purchasing four new bicycles, a guiding company became a reality. The company quickly grew to include hiking, then rock climbing and, with Stacy being a former professional tennis player ranked #18 in the world, tennis was added as well.

It was important to Ian and Stacy to get to know their customers and give personalized attention to each and every one who signed up with them. Together with their individual and combined experience in biking, hiking, rock climbing and tennis, they knew they could satisfy anyone looking to explore beautiful Ojai, get fit and have fun.

Their shared love of adventure, travel and the outdoors have taken them on hiking and biking trails in Hawaii, Alaska, Greece, New Zealand, Peru, England, Mexico, Switzerland, Italy, Africa, Germany, France, South Pacific, Oregon, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Eastern Sierras.

Whether you are in town for the day from nearby Los Angeles or Santa Barbara or planning an anniversary or birthday celebration for two or looking for a group activity for your company, yoga retreat, wedding party, family reunion or team building, Trails by Potter is the guiding company for you! Are you thinking of planning an engagement? Many customers have become engaged on a tour with Trails By Potter, and Stacy and Ian will make it special.

They use the finest equipment, provide snacks and water for all activities and add personal touches: from meeting you at your hotel, helping you choose hotel and dinner reservations, offering referrals to massage therapists and spa treatments to recommending ‘not-to-miss’ Ojai places and moments.

If you are deciding on rock climbing, Lead Instructor Ian will teach you “the ropes”, from first-time, never-before climbers to more advanced climbers. Depending on your level, instruction may include:
•  Top roping
•  Rope techniques
•  Rope management
•  Anchor building
•  Pulley systems
•  Knots
•  Lead Climbing
•  Mountain rescue
•  Basic first aid

Trails by Potter will accommodate any level of fitness from beginner to moderate exerciser to weekend warrior to advanced triathlete and anyone in between. Many of their repeat customers will plan multiple activities during their week or weekend stay.

If you’ve ever thought about taking a tennis lesson or played in high school and want to pick it up again, now is the time to take a lesson from a true expert. Stacy, a former professional player on the tour for 10 years, who competed at The Wimbledon Championships and U.S. Open Championships numerous times, uses her patience and personable nature to have you playing great in no time!

So why choose Trails by Potter? Because you can explore the allure of Ojai on wilderness trails in the morning, wine taste before lunch at one of the local wine tasting rooms, then afterwards soak in hidden sulphur hot springs known to the Chumash Indians. Or maybe you schedule a rock climb in the morning or cycle down to the beach or through the orange groves and afterwards delight in olive oil tasting at a local ranch, and then visit Revel Kombucha and Acai for a variety of sample tastings.

Choose from ANY of their tours for yourself, small or large groups or customize one of your choosing. You will be glad you did! Read about the Potters in Ventana Monthly Magazine and https://www.redbarnhappyhouse.com/post/trails-by-potter-the-best-outdoor-secret-in-the-ojai-valley.  Listen to Jan 2021 podcast featuring Stacy called Women Empowering Women Through Sports.