Seventh Heaven Hiking

A whopping 15,000 acres of open space have been preserved in the Conejo Valley—that’s almost a third of the total size of Thousand Oaks! Wildwood Park comprises the largest contiguous area inside this preserved open space. This 7-mile loop hike takes you on a strenuous but rewarding tour of Wildwood Park and its eclectic environments, including a sprawling canyon, a luscious creek, a giant teepee, and an ancient cave. Start by heading down Moonridge Trail, a narrow path that hugs the hillside as it descends into Wildwood Canyon. A breathtaking view sprawls ahead of you, the massive wide-open valley conjuring images of Montana or some other faraway land. The large teepee is a great place to catch your breath (and refill your water bottle!) before continuing on to Lynnmere Trail. This marks the longest stretch of your journey with winding ups and downs as you head east across the park. The final leg traces alongside the lush Indian Creek, where you might just spot a mama duck leading her trail of ducklings through the bubbling water. If you're feeling up for an extra adventure, follow the signs for a short detour to "Indian Cave," a stone pass-through just off the trail. One final push up Indian Creek Trail returns you to where you started, completing the loop. Wildwood is wide open!

Park at the lot at the corner of Avenida de los Arboles and Big Sky Dr. Start on Moonridge Trail (the third trail from the right). Follow the signs to stay on Moonridge Trail until you pass the teepee and hit Lynnmere Trail. At the top of the first uphill climb, follow the signs and make a left to stay on Lynnmere Trail East. Stay on Lynnmere Trail until it hits Lynn Rd. and you make a left. Take another left on Avenida de las Flores and follow it down for a few blocks until you see the entrance for Las Flores Trail back into the park on your left. Follow Las Flores Trail until it turns into Wildwood Canyon Trail, then eventually Indian Creek Trail, which takes you back to the parking lot to complete the loop. Print this map to use as a guide: (note: while the map says this is a 5.5-mile route, it actually clocks in at 7 miles!). Bring lots of water, and wear sunscreen. Dog-friendly!