Wildwood Park Provides Fun for the Whole Family

Expansive views, wide open fields, a teepee atop mountainous terrain, an Indian cave and a lush 40-foot waterfall and more can be found at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks.

Numerous trails move through the 1,765-acre park land, offering plenty of opportunities for families who hunger for adventure. It's an ideal destination for the whole family or simply for a solo sojourner. 

Touring the best sights are a specific combination of trails that lead to a teepee, down to Paradise Falls and up to the high hills for a Native American cave worthy of exploration, providing two to three hours of changing terrain and elevation.

To begin this journey, start out on the Mesa Trail located on the western side of the parking lot. Don’t forget to grab one of the free maps located at the trailhead. The hike starts off gently on the wide, flat mesa, heading west toward Lizard Rock as the towering craggy peaks of the Mount Clef Ridge loom in the north, dwarfing the landscape and making one feel as small as an ant. Numerous shows and movies were filmed here from the 1930s through the 1960s, like Spartacus and Gunsmoke, and it’s easy to see why.  

The dirt path remains easy going for about a mile, perfect for letting wily tots loose. After a mile, take the North Tepee Trail (not sure if this is a misnomer) to head for the teepee. A short distance later, the Stagecoach Bluff Trail appears to the right. Take this to ascend the Prickly Pear Cactus-covered ridge, with the behemoth Lizard Rock striking a pose in the distance. Beautiful views of the surrounding landscape unfold all around.

Laurel sumac, sugar bush and the dried gray stalks of purple sage proliferate here in the full force of the sun. Stick to the left to move away from the ridge line, winding back down to meet up with the North Tepee Trail again. The teepee is visible down below.

Offering views of mountains and valleys, shade, comfortable seating and a water fountain, the teepee is a perfect spot to take a break or have a picnic, although an even better picnic area lies below in the shaded canyon next to a flowing stream.

Descending down into canyon, North Tepee Trail leads to Paradise Falls within a short distance, with the roaring of the falls discernable immediately. The 40-foot waterfall that flows year round is a popular destination in the park. Young ones especially will enjoy getting their feet wet here as the whole family marvels at one of the most active waterfalls in the Conejo Valley.  

Continuing left on Wildwood Canyon Trail now, the path ascends up over the falls and along a placid stream. Heading through an oak canopy, the environment here changes from chaparral to riparian, boasting an ecosystem of marshy grasses and the ever-present invasive craw fish, which can be seen in great numbers just below the stream’s surface, much to the delight of young ones.

To the right, Meadows Picnic Area consisting of a grill and three tables in the protective shadows of giant oaks provides the ideal lunch spot. The trickling of the stream and the overwhelming beauty of the locale makes it one of the best picnic spots around.

After a short rest, move north along the Wildwood Trail. It will come to a fork. Going left leads one up a rigorous mountain ascent to Moonridge Trail. Stick to the right to head to the Indian Cave.

In a very short distance, stairs appear to the left to take one up the side of the hill into a comfortable cave. Children will enjoy exploring this unique geological formation. What makes the cave especially awesome is that it actually contains an exit which is also a shortcut to Moonridge Trail.

After climbing through the portal, the ascent is quick, steep, and challenging.This is the time to put children in carriers as it is extremely uphill as well as potentially dangerous due to the elevation gain and the unbelievable amount of Prickly Pear Cactus. Note, do not touch the fallen fruit, as they contain invisible hair-like thorns. Yucca, agave and other chaparral scrub also thrive along the ascending switchbacks of the Moonridge Trail.

After a final set of stairs, the trail leads to the eastern side of the parking lot.

The recreation area at Wildwood Park remains a desirable destination for locals and visitors alike who enjoy hiking its crests crusted with spines of Prickly Pear Cactus, its ravines containing the aptly named Paradise Falls and its numerous trails that tour its sprawling, diverse grounds.

But Wildwood isn’t just for hikers. It’s also for mountain bikers and horse riders (on designated trails only.) It’s for families to spend some time outdoors, grilling and lounging. It’s for high school kids practicing long distance runs. It’s for nearby neighbors taking their dog for a stroll. It’s a pleasant place to hike, but it’s also a pleasant place just to be.

To get there, head east on the 101 Freeway and exit Lynn Road, turning left. After about two-and-a-half miles, turn right on Avenida De Los Arboles. Follow the avenue till it ends and park in the large parking lot on the left. Free maps are available near the Mesa Trail head.