💦We Go Chasing Waterfalls

Capturing all the beauty of Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks — dramatic views, peaceful canyons, and two waterfalls — this loop is a group favorite. It’s about five miles long and covers the park’s most scenic highlights, including Lizard Rock, Skunk Hollow, the quiet Eagle Point Trail, and finally Paradise Falls, before returning by way of the tranquil Indian Creek Trail.

We'll start down the street from the main Wildwood trailhead. Instead of heading out on the busy Mesa Trail, we'll hook up with the Stagecoach Bluff Trail. This single-track path runs parallel to the canyon edge and immediately feels more rugged and natural. We'll meander through sage scrub and chaparral, catching glimpses into Wildwood Canyon below. Hawks often circle overhead, and in spring, wildflowers brighten the slopes. The trail gently climbs westward until it meets Lizard Rock Trail, where we turn for the final ascent to the ridge.

The climb to Lizard Rock is short but scenic, winding through sandstone outcrops that frame sweeping views of Thousand Oaks, Mountclef Ridge, and the Santa Monica Mountains. At the top, Lizard Rock — a large sandstone formation resembling its namesake — offers one of the best panoramas in the park. It’s a perfect place for us to rest, take in the view, and appreciate how close this wild landscape sits to the city below.

From Lizard Rock, we continue down the trail as it descends toward Skunk Hollow, a quiet, grassy meadow nestled in the canyon. Despite its name, Skunk Hollow is lovely and peaceful — often dotted with wildflowers and shaded by oaks. From here we hop onto the Eagle Point Trail, one of Wildwood’s lesser-traveled paths. This stretch feels remote, winding along the park’s northern slopes with long, open views across Wildwood Mesa. We climb gently, then begin a steady descent into Wildwood Canyon.

At the end of Eagle Point Trail, we connect to the main Paradise Falls Trail, which leads to the park’s most famous landmark. The 40-foot waterfall tumbles year-round into a shaded pool, making it an irresistible stop for another snack or photo break.

On our return to the cars we follow the Indian Creek Trail, a quieter alternative to the main canyon route. This trail traces the creek upstream through oak woodlands. Along the way, we'll pass Little Falls, a smaller, charming cascade tucked into the canyon wall. From there, the trail climbs gradually out of the canyon and rejoins the mesa above, where an easy stroll across the ball fields brings us back to our starting point.

This loop showcases the best of Wildwood — sweeping vistas, hidden hollows, and the soothing sound of waterfalls — all in a moderate five-mile hike with about 600 feet of elevation gain.