Way back in 2019, shortly after we had moved to Los Angeles, Jacob’s parents came to visit. While here, we all went to a short waterfall hike in Thousand Oaks (Paradise Falls) … then we never went back as it’s a bit of a drive (~40 minutes) and at the time was crowded. Seven years later, when my run club had a Sunday trail meetup scheduled, I decided it was time to check it out again.
The morning was quite cloudy, so when we set off it was a little tough to check directions against the route, especially since Wildwood abuts the Conejo open space and several neighborhoods and other areas. There are probably hundreds of trails, and being on my own between the two main pace groups I had to rely on spotty service to see where I was or wasn’t supposed to turn (luckily only guessed wrong once).
After a few miles, I passed the same Paradise Falls from a few years ago where we watched someone climbing up the cliff get apprehended by the Park Ranger, but continued onwards past a water treatment plant to the other main highlight of the area – Lizard Rock. Unfortunately due to the clouds, it was a bit tough to appreciate!
On my way back to the meetup point, I passed a few picnic areas, and what is I guess famous as the “Wildwood Teepee.” Right as I was rolling back into the parking lot, the clouds opened up and things got sunny which was perfect as I was getting cold from stopping and being sweaty. Not sure when I’ll be back, but it’s definitely a great place for locals to get out and about – just not very close to where we live, and not much shade/parking either unless there very early.
Trip type: Trail Running
Distance: 10.14 miles
Altitude Gain: 2,093 ft
Length: 1 day
Lucky for you to only take a single wrong turn. Impressive run though at over ten miles. No post run food though.,.
There is always post run food and cold drinks, just not a full picnic