Great Hike to Lizard Rock at Wildwood Park – Thousand Oaks, CA
A fun hiking destination in the Conejo Valley of California is Lizard Rock in Wildwood Regional Park. Located near Thousand Oaks, California, the 4.2 mile loop trail is noted as a moderately challenging route that takes the average hiker close to 2 hours to complete.  In this post, we’ll recap what we saw and experienced to help you plan your hike to Lizard Rock.
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The Hiking Experience at Wildwood Park
Hiking to Lizard Rock at Wildwood Park offers a delightful experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The trail is perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and mountain biking, providing ample opportunities to encounter fellow nature lovers. Open year-round, the route is always a beautiful destination, showcasing the stunning Wildwood Mesa. This unique geologic formation not only offers breathtaking views but also features vibrant grassland wildflowers. Dogs are welcome on the trail if kept on a leash, making it an all-around inviting adventure for everyone.
Getting to Wildwood Regional Park
To reach Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks, head west at the intersection of Lynn Road and W. Avenida De Los Arboles. This route will take you directly to one of the park’s main entrances, where visitors can find a parking lot. You can leave your car here while you explore the park’s many trails and scenic spots.
For those specifically aiming for the Lizard Rock Trailhead: Begin by taking the 101 Freeway to exit 45 in Thousand Oaks. Drive north on Lynn Road for approximately 2.5 miles. When you reach Avenida De Los Arboles, turn left and proceed to the parking lot at the end of the street. This is where you’ll start your adventure on the trailhead.
Trailhead Address: 928 West Avenida De Los Arboles, Wildwood Regional Park, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Trailhead Coordinates: 34°13’12.0″N 118°54’10.1″W
Getting to the Lizard Rock Trailhead at Wildwood Park
Among the sites marked as landmarks in the park is Lizard Rock.  From a distance below, as you approach the hillside with this rock, it does appear as if the face of a large lizard is protruding from the hilltop.
To start your adventure to Lizard Rock in Wildwood Park, Thousand Oaks, you’ll begin at the parking lot located off Big Sky Drive. From here, you have two primary trail options to reach Lizard Rock. The longer and more scenic Stagecoach Bluff Trail runs along the canyon rim, offering a picturesque route with a few winding passages. Alternatively, the more direct Mesa Trail takes a straightforward path through the park, ideal if efficiency is key.
Hiking to Lizard Rock at Wildwood Park
Embark on your journey from the parking area at Wildwood Park. Follow the unmistakable Mesa Trail, heading west. After a rise and a few initial junctions, you’ll find yourself at a crossroads with the North Tepee Trail, just 0.35 miles in. If you’re up for the Stagecoach Bluff Trail adventure to Lizard Rock or a descent to Paradise Falls, take a left turn here. Otherwise, stay on the Mesa Trail, with a plan to use the North Tepee Trail on your return.
Continue your hike for another half mile on the Mesa Trail, and when you come across a split, bear left. After 1.05 miles, you’ll reach another junction, marking the far end of the Stagecoach Bluff Trail. Proceed another tenth of a mile to the end of the Mesa Trail, and take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Stagecoach Bluff behind you. From here, venture onto the narrower Lizard Rock Trail, spanning 1.2 miles.
Lizard Rock Trail at Wildwood Park immediately passes below the prominent Lizard Rock. Continue past Lizard Rock, keeping left at a spur, and proceed down Lizard Rock Trail through a series of switchbacks that wind down into Wildwood Canyon. Be cautious, as this trail is shared with bikers who may be speeding through the twists and turns, and it is pretty steep. Note that attempting this hike in reverse will require significantly more effort.
As you descend, the trail runs alongside a large water treatment facility downstream from Paradise Falls. At the bottom of Lizard Rock Trail, turn left to head upstream on Wildwood Canyon Trail, completing your journey to Lizard Rock.
Watch our video – Hiking to Lizard Rock at Wildwood Park
We compiled highlights from our day at Wildwood Regional Park into a short video.  A link follows below.  We hope that viewing the video and reading this blog post will inspire you to visit Wildwood Park if you are ever in the Thousand Oaks area. Â
Continue to Paradise Falls at Wildwood Regional Park
Perhaps the most popular destination in the park is Paradise Falls.  This 40 foot high falls provides a waterfall where you would least expect it – in the middle of a Southern California suburb.  Visiting after late winter Southern California rains is your best chance to see the waterfall in its full glory. Our visit to the falls in early spring did not disappoint. If you want to see water at this location, you’ll have much better luck in late winter or early spring as opposed to the hot weather summer months. Â
As you continue hiking to the falls, there are several crossings you might make back and forth across the stream.  During our visit, there were well placed crossing boards to help hikers make their way over the water.Â
After enjoying the panoramic views from Lizard Rock, make your way back to the main path and follow these steps to reach Paradise Falls:
- Head Toward Wildwood Canyon Trail: Retrace your steps from Lizard Rock and rejoin the Wildwood Canyon Trail. Continue following the trail as it meanders through the shade next to Arroyo Conejo.
- Pass Through Skull Hollow Picnic Area: Walk through the scenic grove of Sycamores, passing Skull Hollow Picnic Area. This spot offers a brief respite if you wish to take a break before continuing.
- Reach the Trail Split: After approximately 0.37 miles on Wildwood Canyon Trail, you will arrive at a junction. You have two options: bear left to hike up Tepee Trail or continue straight on Wildwood Canyon Trail.
- Stay on Wildwood Canyon Trail: For the most direct route to Paradise Falls, continue straight at the split. Follow the posted signs guiding you towards the waterfall.
- Descend to Paradise Falls: As you approach Paradise Falls, follow the signs directing you to the right. The trail will lead you downwards towards the falls.
- Experience Paradise Falls: Paradise Falls features a stunning 40-foot drop into a large pool. On the left side of the waterfall, a rock grotto stands out against the natural backdrop. To get the best view, use the stepping stones to cross the cattails below the pool and find a seat on the rock outcroppings on the opposite bank.
The Places Where We Go at Paradise Falls Thousand Oaks
Enjoy the serene beauty and refreshing atmosphere of Paradise Falls to conclude your hike!
View Wildlife Near Paradise Falls
We stayed at the creek bank for a bit, admiring the falls.  In the water below, a family of ducks with several baby ducks swam around, enjoying the water on the cool morning of our visit.
The falls empty into a lovely stream that makes its way through the park. Â
Enjoy Nature at Wildwood Park
Wildwood Regional Park offers a beautiful escape to nature in the middle of the suburbs of the Conejo Valley.  The landscape telegraphs fantastic geological events that occurred here millions of years ago to form the hills and rock visible to us today.
More Hiking Trails at Wildwood Park Thousand Oaks
If you’re looking for various hiking trails in Thousand Oaks, Wildwood Regional Park has a series of several hiking trails. You’ll find a variety of trail lengths and difficulty options.Â
The first hike Julie and I ventured on was right here, in Wildwood Park.  We’ve been back a few times, but there still are at least two or three hiking trails in the park that we have yet to do.  It’s always nice to have different opportunities for a return visit.
The trails offer easy to moderate hiking for the most part.  While not essential, trekking poles can be helpful in a few areas.
Picnic Areas at Wildwood Park
If you want to make a longer day out of your visit to Wildwood Regional Park, there are sections within the park that offer picnic tables. Underneath the shade of trees, the setting is beautiful for an afternoon lunch. There are also barbecue facilities in some areas.
Admiring the Wildflowers at Wildwood Park
Visiting Wildwood Park after winter rains and a change in season to early spring is an excellent time for viewing plant life. We admired the wildflowers that were starting to bloom along our hike.  Even the cactus were in bloom.
Listening to the Birds
During our April visit, we enjoyed listening to the sound of the birds.  Birds, birds, everywhere.  Their song was magnificent.  We listened as the quiet around us let their singing permeate the air.  On occasion, we also watched as hawks flew in the air over our heads, looking for a meal.
Chumash Indian History
The park provides a glimpse into the history of the Chumash Indians who once inhabited this land.  On the east side of the park, there is a teepee structure that is one example of this homage.  Nearby is also an Indian Cave.  I have not yet been there, so I have another new area to discover on a return trip.
Wildwood Park – A Popular Destination in Thousand Oaks
Wildwood Park is quite popular in the Conejo Valley.  With activities for hikers and mountain bikers, you should expect to run into other people while enjoying some time with nature when you visit this park.
There is no fee to enter the open space of Wildwood Park nor is a hiking permit required. It’s a welcoming outdoor landscape for hikers, dog walkers, and bike enthusiasts in Ventura County.
Happy trails and we’ll see you at The Places Where We Go.
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