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Paradise Falls - Wildwood Park


Highlights:

70 foot waterfall, shady creek side trail, rolling hills
Near:Thousand Oaks, CA
Scenery:
Distance:3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:400 ft
Hike Time:1.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Loop


Summary: The first part of the trail follows Moonridge trail looking down upon Indian Creek. Trail then drops down steeply into an area if volcanic rock with a spectacular 70 foot waterfall plunging into a large pool. The return leg of the loop is an easy meandering trail along the banks of Indian creek, with a number of lovely picnic spots along the way. I promise that you will be surprised that there is such a nice setting amongst the suburban sprawl.
Trailhead: From the Moorpark Freeway (23), exit on Avenida de Los Arboles and go west (a right turn if you are coming from Moorpark). Follow de Los Arboles until it ends at Big Sky Drive. Make a U-turn and the park entrance is on the right side of the road. (Lat:34.219686 Lon:-118.900648)
Trail Guides for Paradise Falls - Wildwood Park:
Day Hikes in Ventura County California
by Robert Stone  (Day Hike Books)

Easy Hiking in Southern California
by Ann Marie Brown  (Foghorn Press)

On The Trail - Malibu to Santa Barbara
by Cathy Philipp  (Cathy Philipp Publishing)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses
Ranger Contact:  Conejo Rec & Park District - 805-495-6471
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted  104 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 9   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Susan on 7/25/2009
It's funny to read people saying that they might get their feet a little wet...back in the 70's we used to lower ourselves down a rope through a small cave like hole to get to creek and pool below. You had to go up the rope to get out...made it worth it, cuz the hike on the fire road was hot and dusty. Wow. Flashbacks...good times. I loved it there.

Reviewed by Carrie on 6/24/2009
I'm really in love with Wildwood. My fiance introduced it to me (even though I've lived locally for two decades!!!) and I haven't been able to get enough. The hike to the falls is pretty easy and just gorgeous. Heat could make it a bit less enjoyable but I've only been to Wildwood on gloomy June days, which are perfect! The hike up to Lizard Rock is a bit more challenging, but still manageable at a slowish pace. For beginning hikers or strollers, do the falls loop and leave Lizard Rock for another day. If you can manage it however, the view from Lizard Rock is well worth the effort. Bring bug spray and be sure you know what Poison Oak looks like. Since the hike follows the creek to the falls, it's littered with Poison Oak. Have

Reviewed by moonray on 5/25/2009
The reporter did an accurate job of descibing this hike and we felt prepared. I'd suggest going in cool weather. The day was about 75 degrees and we enjoyed pleasant cool breezes throughout. The hike is not too challenging, and the views and plant life are great. The waterfall is beautiful even though there were a lot of dogs down there. There are also water fountains around and the bathrooms were okay. Definitely bring some tissue paper with you. A nice place to picnic or take photos. The volcanic rock is amazing!

Reviewed by S.S. on 4/23/2009
I did this hike last weekend when it was 100 degrees. Heat was definitely a factor. There is shade along the creek and that was nice. The falls themselves looked shorter than 70 feet but there is a large deep pool of water beneath the falls. Since it was so hot, i had a swim. That was very refreshing, but later I read that a lot of the water in the creek comes from street runoff. I guess I'll stick to swimming in the Angeles from now on... For more information: http://budurl.com/ParadiseFalls

Reviewed by Cindee on 11/2/2008
I absolutley enjoy the whole park. It's amazing what's in your backyard to enjoy. It's a great source of exercise, and also quiet time for my fiance and I to enjoy together. I love you Wildwood Park and Paradise Falls.

Reviewed by DSG on 9/21/2008
Hiked Paradise Falls September 20th, 2008. Fun quick hike, descends down to a flowing waterfall and stream. Gets your heart beating trekking uphill on the way back out, but the old tipi is still there and provides a nice shady spot to rest up for a minute. Very well kept trail. Almost as well kept as themed woodland areas found in amusement parks. Some real time, money, and effort goes into maintaining this trail.

Reviewed by JLP on 8/27/2008
I used to live near here, and know the trails like the back of my hand, and since moving my family to the midwest, I'd give anything to take my kids to walk those ridges, watch the hawks and snakes, listen to the coyotes and hang out at the old tipi, which I hope is still there!

Reviewed by KLB on 7/28/2008
This is a new favorite hike for us. With some great advise from KAM, we followed the Moonridge trail to Paradise Falls and then out the Indian Creek Trail, and also made the worthwhile stop at Indian Cave. Stop at the Teepee, too, just return to the Moonridge Trail. It was very hot, with a lot of MOSQUITOS (TAKE BUGSPRAY, SUNBLOCK, AND LOTS OF WATER), but is a fairly easy and fun hike. We saw tons of wildlife, snakes, spiders, BIG crawfish, chipmunk, birds... The waterfall(s) were beautiful, with a surprising amount of water all along the way, especially for late summer. There are a LOT of picnic areas, very private and secluded, very peaceful hike.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Ventura County Hiking, Ventura County Trails, Ventura County Hikes

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