Going Wildwood

Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. 

This 1,765-acre escape has something for everyone, and the mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible. From the dirt parking lot, head out on the Mesa Trail—an open stretch flanked by grasslands and rugged rock formations. 

Right now, it’s delightfully green, but most of the year, this sepia-colored landscape feels like stepping into a western. It’s no wonder this spot played backdrop to 1950s TV shows like Wagon Train, The Rifleman, and Gunsmoke.

Follow signs for the Lizard Rock Trail—where the terrain transforms into volcanic rock dotted with blooming cacti and wildflowers, delivering sweeping views of the Conejo and Santa Rosa valleys.

The trail loops past a water treatment plant, followed by a large wooden teepee structure–perhaps inspired by the Chumash people, who lived here for nearly 8,000 years. From there, follow signs to Paradise Falls. The roar is real and there are plenty of rocks and picnic tables perfect for a mid-hike snack.

Rejoin the trail above the waterfall to reach Little Cave, a snug nook perfect for a quick scramble and peek inside. To close the loop, take Moonridge Trail through some peaceful groves of shady oaks, small streams, and a few stair-stepped climbs that lead you back to the parking lot.

IMPORTANT: Check temperatures before hiking these or any trails. Excessive heat makes hiking very dangerous and both people and their dogs should not be hiking on hot days.

From Thousand Oaks, take the 101-N to exit 45 for Lynn Rd. Turn right on Lynn Rd. Drive 2.5 miles, and make a left on Avenida de los Arboles. Continue for about a mile to the end of the road and find the parking lot on the left.

Story and photos by Yvonne_Pasquini