Paradise Falls Trail | Thousand Oaks

Paradise Falls
in Wildwood Park

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Paradise Falls Thousand Oaks Wildwood Park hiking trail waterfall

Paradise Falls drops 40 feet into a large pool along the Arroyo Conejo in Thousand Oaks. The waterfall is located within Wildwood Park, and thanks to an almost excessive network of trails, Paradise Falls may be reached via several routes, allowing for a 2.2-mile out and back hike or several loops of 2.5 miles or more. There is 260 feet of elevation loss between the main park trailhead and Paradise Falls. Adding a visit to Wildwood Park’s other main attraction, Lizard Rock, is a good way to extend the hike to four miles or more.

The direction to Paradise Falls is marked at most trail junctions in the park, so it will not be difficult to find. The easiest route is to head straight west on Mesa Trail, the most obvious trail departing the parking lot for Wildwood Park. After 1/3 of a mile, head to the left at a split on to North Tepee Trail, following an arrow for Paradise Falls. Stay straight through three junctions over the next 0.3 miles to come to a T-junction next to a recreation of a tepee. Here you may look down on the V-shaped canyon carved by the Arroyo Conejo. The landscape above the canyon is dotted with cactus and sage, while the creek is lined with sycamores and oaks, creating a riparian oasis. Since most of Wildwood Park can feel like a desert on a hot day, be sure to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

Turn right at the teepe, and drop into the canyon for 1/8 of a mile. At the next sign for Paradise Falls, turn left down a single track cutting down the canyon. At the bottom of the trail, turn right on Wildwood Canyon Trail, and make a quick left to arrive at Paradise Falls, 1.1 miles from the start.

Paradise Falls

Paradise Falls plunges 40 feet into a large pool. Left of the falls is a rock grotto that looks alien to the surrounding landscape. Use stepping stones to cross through a line of cattails below the pool to get the best perspective of Paradise Falls from the opposing bank, where rock outcroppings create relaxing seats. Unfortunately swimming and climbing around the waterfall is prohibited. Though the water is cold and clear, and deep enough for someone to jump in, there is an advisory against swimming in the creek, which is feed by both natural springs and street runoff (yuck).

Once you leave Paradise Falls, if you don’t wish to return the way you came, there are several other areas of the park to explore. To extend the hike to just over 4 miles, head downstream on Wildwood Canyon Trail, which remains shaded as it follows the stream past a striking number of picnic tables. Hike up to Lizard Rock before returning to the trailhead across the mesa, completing a grand tour of Wildwood Park.

To hike up Wildwood Canyon Trail above the falls, turn right toward another interesting park feature named Indian Cave. The top of Wildwood Canyon Trail also borders the creek and passes through a shaded picnic area. After 1/4 mile, the trail meets a junction with a connection trail on the left, which can be taken to return to the tepee. Continue another 0.2 miles to a four-way junction near Indian Cave. Straight ahead, an single track breaks off toward the cave. Take this short detour if you would like to climb through a small tunnel in the rock face that may have once be occupied by Chumash Indians.

From the T at the end of Wildwood Canyon Trail, turn left to climb back up the mesa for a sun-exposed trek back to the trailhead, or head to the right, for a shaded shaded return along Indian Creek Trail. Both routes are approximately 0.75 miles in length. For the sunny route, turn left, hike 0.3 miles to Moonridge Trail and turn right to return to the trailhead. For the shady route, turn left, cross the bridge over the creek and make an immediate left. Head upstream beneath what seems like a thousand oaks bordering Indian Creek. Cross the creek after a quarter mile. Then stick to the left bank and climb out of the canyon (and back into the sun). At the top of the trail, reach Avenido de los Arboles, turn left and hike less than 0.2 miles back to the trailhead.

The map below offers a visual explanation of all the routes to choose from:

paradise Falls Map

The park’s abundance of picnic tables cannot be overstated. In fact, there are six picnic areas right along the canyon near Paradise Falls. Each table is located in the shade, and on most weekends it is not challenging to find a few that are available.

Paradise Falls
A picnic area above the falls along Wildwood Canyon Trail

If you head out to Wildwood Park for a picnic, you will find areas with numerous tables and others with just a couple. The park is designed to accommodate any reasonably sized group. At Sycamore Flats Picnic Area downstream from the falls, there are even public restrooms. Any of the picnic areas would be a great place to stop off for a bite during a hike of the park.

No fee or permit is required to visit Paradise Falls in Wildwood Park. Dogs are welcome, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: Take the 101 Freeway to Thousand Oaks to exit 45 for Lynn Road. Drive north for 2.5 miles on Lynn Road, and turn left on Avenido de los Arboles. Drive to the end of the street and park in the lot on the left.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Paradise Falls GPS in a larger map
Or view Los Angeles Hikes in a larger map

Photos

Paradise Falls

These photos were taken in April of 2009. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	Lizard Rock To add extra mileage and views to a visit to Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks, consider placing Lizard Rock on your itinerary.
	Sandstone Peak This 6.25-mile loop summits the tallest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains.
	The Grotto This 3-mile out and back visits a remote grotto in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
	More trails in Los Angeles Explore other hiking destinations around Los Angeles.

Similar Trails

	Escondido Falls This 4-mile out and back visits a 200 foot waterfall that is split into two tiers. The upper tier is 150 feet tall and stunning after a rainstorm.
	Trail Canyon Falls This 4-mile hike visits a 40-foot beauty on the east side of the San Gabriel Mountains.
	Eaton Falls This 3-mile hike visits a 40-footer.
	Switzer Falls This 4.5-mile hike starts out above and finishes below a 50-foot tall waterfall.
	More waterfalls around Los Angeles Explore other waterfalls in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains.