Wildwood Park

 

With two waterfalls, scenic volcanic outcroppings, miles of shared-use for all levels of trail users, several pleasant picnic areas, and abundant open space, Wildwood Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the nearby city. There is also a rich history from prehistoric times through the golden age of Hollywood!

Trail Map

Hiking Preparedness

In addition to its diverse multi-use trail system across ridgelines and into lush valleys, Wildwood Park is rich in historic and archaeological resources, unusual geologic formations, and is home to a wide range of plant and animal life. Please note that some trails are only open to hiking. Please obey all trail use designations.

More than 250 plant species have been identified within the park. Plant communities include southern oak woodland, riparian woodland, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, desert scrub, California grassland, and freshwater marsh. Wildwood Park is perhaps best known for its spring wild-flower displays from January to June.

More than 60 species of birds, 37 species of mammals, and 22 species of reptiles and amphibians can be found here. Dense vegetation associated with oak woodlands creates ideal fawning conditions for the park’s mule deer population. Bobcats and coyotes also inhabit the park, and mountain lions are occasionally present.

History of Wildwood Park

The Chumash lived in Wildwood Park for nearly 8,000 years until the early 19th Century. During the Spanish colonization of California, the land became part of “Rancho El Conejo” in 1803. Cattle and sheep grazed on these rich grasslands through much of 20th Century. From the 1930’s through the 1960’s, numerous Hollywood movies were filmed here, including “Spartacus” and “Wuthering Heights,” as well as TV series including “Wagon Train,” “The Rifleman,” and “Gunsmoke.”

In 1967 the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) acquired Wildwood Canyon and Mount Clef Ridge from the Janss Corporation. Wildwood Mesa was added to the Park in 1987. Today the 1,765 acre park falls under the jurisdiction of the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA).

 Easy Hikes

  1. Paradise Falls from Hill Canyon Road (5.2 miles)
  2. Stagecoach Bluff, Lizard Rock, Mesa Trail Loop (2.8 miles)
  3. Moonridge Trail, Paradise Falls, Two Springs Loop (2.9 miles)
  4. Two Springs, Paradise Falls, Wildwood Canyon (3.2 miles)
  5. Fort Trail – Two Springs Trail Loop from Wildflower Playfield (2.4 miles)

Moderate Hikes

  1. Two loop routes to Paradise Falls from Hill Canyon Road (5.3 or 6.5 miles)
  2. Lizard Rock, Paradise Falls, Two Spings Loop (4.8 miles)
  3. Moonridge, Lynnmere, Las Flores, Indian Creek Loop
  4. Santa Rosa Trail to the hills above CLU
  5. Santa Rosa Trail, Lower Butte Trail Loop (4.6 miles)
  6. Mount Clef Ridge Santa Rosa Loop (6.1 miles)
  7. Mount Clef Ridge – Lower Santa Rosa Trail to the “Train Yard”  (5 miles)
  8. Canyon Overlook Trail to Lizard Rock from Hill Canyon
  9. Lizard Rock & Hidden Rim Figure 8 Double Loop (5.7 miles)

Strenuous Hikes

  1. Wildwood Park to Hill Canyon
  2. Moonridge Trail, Lynnmere Trail, Indian Creek Loop
  3. Long Loop with Lichen, Lizard Rock
    and Hawk Canyon Trails     (11.2 miles)
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