Paradise Falls

"With 27 miles of trails in its 1,765 acres, Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks is home to spectacular geological formations (standouts include Lizard Rock and Indian Cave), lush valleys, riparian canyons and abundant wildflowers in the spring. But perhaps the most iconic feature of this diverse landscape is the aptly named 40-foot Paradise Falls. To get there, park in the dirt lot and find the wide Mesa Trail at the northwestern end that maneuvers through grasslands (look to your left for some towering volcanic outcroppings). Take a left on the North Tepee Trail (note that the signs will always direct you to the falls), which descends past a re-created Chumash tepee structure before diving into the canyon. Before taking the stairs down to the canyon floor, take a left on the Wildwood Canyon trail for a stop at the top of the falls. At the bottom, any view of the falls is photo-worthy, but the best angle can be found by crossing the creek to the south to get a direct vantage point on the powerful flowing water. You can continue west farther into the canyon here, or head back up the stairs and back to the tepee, where you’ll find benches to admire the panoramic vistas. On your way back, take the Moonridge Trail, a single-track offering to your right that heads east through cactus groves (look for a spur trail going to Indian Cave to extend your trip) all the way back to the lot to complete the loop."