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- Saturday, December 21, 2024

Southern California Trails

Wildwood Park - #WildwoodPark

Socal - Ventura County - Thousand Oaks NickNames: #WildwoodPark

Take the 101 east from the SF Valley to Lynn Road (or Moorpark Rd). Turn right and go to Avenida De Los Arboles (Los Arboles is about 2.5 miles North of the Ventura Fwy 101) Turn left and go to the end of the road until you see it on your left. pull into the parking lot and get a free map of the park. There are multiple trails leading from the lot in every direction. For an easy ride, stay on the mesa. For intermediate level and up you can go down into the canyon where there is a waterfall and year-round stream. Don't go into the canyon by bike unless you are fit.
There is a back way to this trail... take santa rosa rd. till you hit a flower shop, then take the road to the left of the flower shop then park on the left neariest the gate. Thomas Guide page 526 B2

Trail Update"That Smell..."-Wildwood Park is the collector point for all sewer lines west of (approximately) Westlake Boulevard. All the sewage in those pipes, and all the sewage that leaks OUT of those pipes, runs through Wildwood Canyon. Touch any water in the creek at your own risk. And learn some trail etiquette, or develop some normal human courtesy, BEFORE riding in the park, as there are LOTS of folks here who don't realize the park is your personal private race course.
ScottR1
Posted:02/17/2010
Trail UpdateRode this Sat. Butte Trail to Santa Rosa over to Lizzard Rock down to Wildwood Canyon up the canyon and out the right side single track to Lynn Rd. then back to the lot. Great ride,not much rain damage,the water crossings in Wildwood were about knee deep and silty so it was better to walk rock to rock.Why does it smell like a bad outhouse down there? Ride milage=11.5 mi.Lots of short steep 1st gear climbs.Hills are very green now -great views from the top.
hawkeye a 54 year old Weekend Warrior riding a stump from La Crescenta
Posted:02/15/2010
Trail UpdateCritical Mass-Here's to the hiker and his family, spread out meandering four abreast at the bottom of the hill by the main parking lot. They are trying to control the family dog and are oblivious to the fact that there is anyone else around them. I am in the middle of a descent and am at moving at a quick pace- the family hears nothing. As I brake hard and "thread-the-needle", I'm praying that none of them moves to quickly in either direction.
As the family is packing up the SUV in the parking lot, the father asks: "How about some trail etiquette?" I agree- he should get some. Is there no common sense rule that tells you not to spread your family out the entire width of a trail being used by pedestrians, bikes and horses?
I won't be going back to Wildwood. It's too crowded, and these people hike like they drive.
on second thought, I think I may go back and start taking pictures for a wall of shame.
rocklegacy a 35 year old Cross-Country Rider
Posted:02/28/2009
Trail UpdateVery Nice-This was my first time out riding in Ventura County. The area was well maintained, a few staircases to ride down in the middle of the trail, and a pretty cool waterfall. Not very technical, but looks like a great place to hike as well.
HeirBorn a 22 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a 08 Marin Wolf Ridge from San Dimas, CA
Posted:10/19/2008
Trail UpdateGreen And Clean-Rode yesterday. Despite a packed parking lot, didn't see much traffic on the trail. Rain has made all things green. Dirt was damp but drying out. Also rode one week earlier from Lizard Rock back to H20 plant and up the winding hill to Teepee and out of the park.
El Contador riding a Cannondale Jekyll
Posted:01/13/2008
Trail Update11/12-Me and a couple buddies road wilwood today, it was fun but we missed any real single track.
We came in from hill canyon road, i think that part of the trail is lizzard rock or something. After passing the waterfall we hung a left to some indian caves- which werent more than rocks. there was a trail on top of em that took us to the parking lot. It was a much nice climb than goin out to lynnmere.

overall id say it was kind of lame, but thats probably just cause we didnt find the right trails. I was looking forward to something more technical, perhaps Better luck next time.
Twitch, riding a 07 specialized rockhopper hardtail.
bob a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 07 specialized rockhopper hardtai
Posted:11/12/2007
Trail UpdateShort And Sweet. Good Loop-Rode this from main parking lot to Lizard Rock, down to Water Treatment to WaterFall and back to parking lot. This is a fun ride. Not to long, (6-7 miles) and great variety of terrain.
Just know that this park is heavily used by hikers, mostly families, on weekends. I went on late Sunday and totally regretted it. Also, know that right now there are a ton of rattlesnakes. Early morning and late afternoon are the worst times.
Other than that, I love this trail for a good/fast ride.
Sparetire a 100 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Spec Stumpy FSR Comp from the bario, CA.
Posted:04/16/2007
Trail UpdateSanta Rosa And Main Trails Clear-Rode Santa Rosa and the trail down to the water treatment plant and past the falls yesterday. Whew! hot day. No overgrowth or Nuclear Thistle noted. Probably cleared for fire season. The park now has the dry, brown look. Rode Lynnmere on Wednesday - no problems. However, on a Monday night ride, there was a sign from C.O.S.C.A. at Lizard Rock/Stagecoach in Wildwood Park that mountain lions had been sighted in the area, and to stay on main trails.

El Contador a 35 year old Cross-Country Rider
Posted:06/18/2006
Trail UpdateNuclear Thistle Is A Growin'-Well, it is coming back. Rode the Santa Rosa Trail last night and the nuclear thistle is coming back with a vengeance. The trail is quickly getting overgrown by the stuff and within a week it will be no fun to ride at all. The Switchbacks up are fine, but if you head over the backside you are in for a world of pain. Add into that a festive party of ticks, I stopped counting after I pulled the 28th one off of my legs, and you have yourself quite the fun trail.
Matt a 37 year old Cross-Country Rider from Newbury Park
Posted:04/28/2006
Trail UpdateLynnMere Trail-Did a night ride of the entire LynnMere loop yesterday. Trail is in excellent shape. Well as excellent shape as LynnMere can be in. There are still the wonderful short sections of hike-a-bike that dot the path. But all in all the trail is very tacky, brush has been cleared back and the full moon and xmas lights on the houses made for a really pretty ride. Now all we need is some rain to fill up the creeks again and it will be perfect.
Posted:12/14/2005
Trail UpdateLynnmere/Lizardrock-Rode this loop in the AM east to west. Trails are in good condition. The foilage (thistles & poisen oak) has either been sprayed or cut back so the overgrowth is at a minimum. Water crossings have been replaced. Nice ride.
simi mike a 45 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a reign 1 from simi valley CA
Posted:07/01/2005
Trail UpdateLizard Rock/santa Rosa-santa rosa back side is in good shape, although still soaked...switch backs are rutted out making easy switchbacks alot more technical...lizard trail is still solid along the ridge and the hill is just as steep as always...single track that drops into the poop plant is solid, although some ruts are starting to form...lets ease up on the brakes people. lizard rock is excellent single track during rainy season.
Posted:03/03/2005
Trail UpdateLizard Rock/Lynnmere-Rode from the parking area out to Lizards and down to the poop plant. Trail is in really good shape, everything is packed down nicely and not to rutted. Rode east to Lynnmere and chugged up the hill. Took a left and rode the S/T out. Lynnmere is also in excellent shape, fast and twisty and real green. Lots of hikers on Lizards so speed needs to be in check but very few elswhere. A highly recommended ride.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: ??? Elevation change: not to much
Singletrack=70% Dirt Road=30%
simi mike a to many year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a nrs1
Posted:11/27/2004
Trail Update14th Annual Conejo Open Space
TRAIL WORK DAY

Saturday, October 9, 2004
(Rain Date: October 16)

Trail Users & Open Space Enthusiasts!

Meet at: Conejo Community Center, Thousand Oaks
(Botanical Garden Entrance off Gainsborough Road)

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM Registration & Board Buses
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Trail Work
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM FREE Barbecue & Bike Giveaway
Sponsored by Carlson Building Materials & Giant Bicycle

This is our biggest event of the year, bringing together hundreds of Open Space enthusiasts!
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY!!
For more info, call the Ranger office: 805-381-2741

Event Sponsored by CONEJO OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION AGENCY
Preacher
Posted:10/08/2004
Trail UpdateTrail To Camarillo Springs-The trail does drop down to Cam Springs, but onto private property (the horse ranch).
Preacher
Posted:07/16/2004
Trail UpdateWildwood Park-I think that the trail that drops you down into Camarillo gets you to the park at the bottom of the grade off of Camarillo Springs Road.
I've never been on it but I've heard there was a connector. One time I went to the park at Cam. Springs and saw a trail that looked like it started up the hill but again, never took it to see where it went.
I used to ride some of trails on that side of the stream but haven't been back there in years and years. All I ever knew about where dirt roads though.
Yeti_Rider a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Yeti ARC from San Diego
Posted:07/09/2004
Trail UpdateSorry To Take So Long-The easiest way to find the dam is to make your way down to the access road from the Lizard Rock single track. On this single track you will come to a fork where you want to head downhill next to the fence that surrounds the water treatment plant. Follow this trail to the paved road for about ¼ to ½ mile. You will see a Yellow gate on the west side of the road. Go under the gate and follow the short road to the creek. This is where the Dam will be. It is usually only there for about 8 months out of the year. Usually goes up in May and comes down before the first major storms (remember when we used to have those) in November. The dam is very easy to cross and will keep you dry. On the other side it lets you out on the fire road that will take you uphill to the power lines.
From the direction you are coming I do not know of a fire road that links you directly to the dam that stays low in the canyon. There are some old markings of roads but they are all pretty overgrown. From Home Depot in Newbury Park you can go over the big hill and drop down into the canyon on the other side. From there you follow a short steep fire road that will lead you up to the power lines. About ¼ mile before the power lines you will see the fire road I mentioned about coming in from the left. You could this down and it will lead you directly to the dam.
The power line trail that drops down into Santa Rosa is not traveled much. But the lack of rain for the last two years has not allowed for much growth either so it is not to badly overgrown. It makes for a nice fun loop with some great views and great solitude. You are right about the amount of trails on the West side of the river. They are everywhere. There are still several that I have not been on. One drops you all the way into Camarillo, which looks like a great trail. Just have not felt motivated for the long slog back up yet when I am over there.
Hope this helps you out. Happy riding.

Matt a 35 year old Cross-Country Rider from Newbury Park
Posted:07/06/2004
Trail UpdateNot Matt-The makeshift dam is a sandbag dam that they use as a flow meter for the treatment plant. They have one b4 the plant and one after. You can see the one off the paved road from the first hairpin at the top of Lizards. 1 or 2 yrs ago I was there when the city was removing it. They have to take them out b4 any heavy rains. The city guy told me they can`t have any of the sandbags break and flow into the creek. Something about not being natural flow material. They do make for nice dry creek crossings to get to the west plateau so use them while you can.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 0 Elevation change: 0
simi mike a to many to count year old Die-hard Enthusiast
Posted:07/03/2004
Trail UpdateMatt, ? For You..-Where off the paved access road is that make-shift dam, and how easy
does it make getting accross the water dry? I usually come into that
area off the fire road behind Baxter on Rancho Conejo, and I always
have to slog though the water wherever it's shallow. A dry crossing is
the holy grail of that area for me.
I never see anyone over there either, especially on the west side of the
water, I don't think people know there is more milage of trails on that
side, than in all of Wildwood proper. I frequntly do the uphill from the
city of TO depot to the Conejo grade overlook and then along the
powerlines. Usually I drop down the plateau trails to the paved road.
Only once have I gone down into Santa Rosa from the top by the radio
towers, it was really damn overgrown when I did it!
jh a 34 year old Weekend Warrior riding a M4 comp HT from Newbury Park
Posted:07/02/2004
Trail UpdateMatt, ? For You..-Where off the paved access road is that make-shift dam, and how easy
does it make getting accross the water dry? I usually come into that
area off the fire road behind Baxter on Rancho Conejo, and I always
have to slog though the water wherever it's shallow. A dry crossing is
the holy grail of that area for me.
I never see anyone over there either, especially on the west side of the
water, I don't think people know there is more milage of trails on that
side, than in all of Wildwood proper. I frequntly do the uphill from the
city of TO depot to the Conejo grade overlook and then along the
powerlines. Usually I drop down the plateau trails to the paved road.
Only once have I gone down into Santa Rosa from the top by the radio
towers, it was really damn overgrown when I did it!
jh a 34 year old Weekend Warrior riding a M4 comp HT from Newbury Park
Posted:07/02/2004
Trail UpdateThe Power-Line Loop-Headed out towards Lizard Rock and down the single track to the water treatment plant. Made a right at the fork and went back towards the water plant to the paved road. Took the road to the yellow gate, crossed the creek over the make-shift damn and rode the fire road up to the Conejo grade Saddle. From there it was up the power line fire road to the top of the mountain. Great view of Conejo Valley, Santa Rosa Valley and Ventura and the Pacific Ocean. It was really a clear day. The fire roads up to this point were great. Good solid dirt with only a few patches of sand. Decided to drop down into Santa Rosa Valley via the back side of the mountain on the much less traveled fire road that goes down to the farms below. Lots of fun and not so badly overgrown. Went down to the farms and then out to Santa Valley Rosa road. Headed back towards the water plant and back up through Wildwood. They have taken a tractor to many of the trails in the park proper and it is a mess for the most part. But still rideable. Great loop and great ride that I almost never see anyone on. Get out and ride it. It’s worth it.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 15 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=30% Dirt Road=65% Paved Path=5%
Matt a Cross-Country Rider from Newbury Park
Posted:07/02/2004
Trail UpdateCouldn't Have Been Better-Rode Wildwood Last Saturday....Santa Rosa Trail down to Lizard Rock Trail down to the waterfall and back up. Trails were in great shape and so was the weather!
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 8 miles+- Elevation change: Some up than some down
Singletrack=70% Dirt Road=30%
WOODWARRIOR a 34 year old Weekend Warrior riding a 2 WHEELER from THE VALLEY
Posted:01/16/2004

Trail Update10/11: COSCA Trail Work Day-

COSCA TRAIL WORK DAY, BBQ & RAFFLE
Saturday, October 11, 2003

Our biggest event of the year! Fun for the whole family!! Chance to win a mountain bike, donated by Giant Bicycle!!!

7:30 AM: Meet at Conejo Community Center Park in Thousand Oaks. Exit 101 Freeway on Lynn Rd. north, right on Gainsborough Rd. right at the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden sign (just past the 7th Day Adventist Church). Breakfast snack. "Thank You!" Bar-B-Que and raffle after the work. This is a great event with many volunteers. (Rain Date: 10-18-2003)

Click here for a map.

Click here for more information from the Conejo Open Space Foundation web site.

The Preacher

Posted:10/07/2003

Trail UpdateMore Trail Updates-I rode in from Ventu Park yesterday via the single track behind the park. That section of single track is a little overgrown but for the most part is rideable and enjoyable. Once you reach the fire road it is great and wide open down to the creek crossing.
Instead of going immediately up to the Lynnmere trail I decided to take the fire road down the main canyon to the water treatment plant. It is a fairly uneventful ride with the exception of 3 more creek crossings all of which are rideable right now. Better to be the first person across so you can see and avoid the big rocks though. Because of the current construction going on at the treatment plant the road that connects to the Lizard Rock and main Wildwood trial is currently closed.
I rode back up to the split after the first creek crossing and took the trail up to Lynnmere. It too is overgrown right not but rideable. This trail does not get a lot of use and it is a shame. Although it is short, it is a fun and challenging climb. Especially right now with all the growth over it. Not only does the trail get continually steeper, but the growth gets denser. So as you start to breathe harder your face gets pounded by over growth. None of this is thorny thistle I am happy to report so the ride is still fun.
Next up was the Lynnmere trail and I am happy to report that it seems the Special Weapons Unit seems to have banned the Nuclear Thistle on this trail. Kudo’s to the team that cleared this trail. They did a great job. This trail is once again the best ride in the entire park. It is again wide open and completely void of any of the nasty death thorns I experienced a few months ago.
Another great ride in Wildwood. All trails except the rarely traveled ones are again in great shape. Although it is a small park there are enough unique and fun loops in the immediate area to create a very long ride (probably up to 40 miles) without ever riding on the same piece of trail twice. Happy riding.

Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 10 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=80%
Matt a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider from Newbury Park
Posted:08/06/2003
Trail UpdateWildwood Via Arroyo Conejo-Sometime in the (hopefully near) future, Hill Canyon will get an official trail system connecting it and Wildwood to Newbury Park. In the meantime, since they bulldozed the Hill Canyon Fire Road from Rancho Conejo Road, my favorite way to get back and forth (which I have not done in a year, so things may have changed), is to start at Rancho Conejo Playfield *on Ventu Park Road.*
- You can just go down the fire road, heading toward the Nature Conservation area (this used to be called "The Baranca" and was wide open when I was kid. Funny, there's more trash down there now than there ever was when it was open), BUT...
- the better way is to follow the east wall/fence of the playfields until you can find an opening, and there will be a little singletrack there which heads north, toward Wildwood, paralleling the Arroyo Conejo below. (There are a couple of nice view points of Arroyo Conejo from spur trails along this route)
- This will come to a fire road. Go under the orange gate and continue heading down.
- The fire road quickly comes down to the water, which you have to wade across, but it's upstream from the plant here, and basically clean!
- Once across the stream, you'll go through some rocky flats, kind of northwest. Look for a trail that heads north, straight up the hill, but rideable. This is the beginning of the Lynnmere Trail.
- Stay on the Lynnmere trail for awhile and you will eventually come to the turnoff that heads down into Wildwood.
- the stream crossing at the bottom now has a footbridge across it. (Many of the main stream crossings *in* Wildwood now have footbridges).
The Preacher
Posted:07/23/2003
Trail UpdateBridge?-I don't believe I've seen a real bridge across the creek, except for the gated bridge that leads to the sludge drying pits. Ah, the sweet smell of Mother Nature! Anyhow, as you head up (south) Arroyo Conejo you'll come to a road that climbs steeply to your left - this is a spur that connects to the Lynnmere loop. Farther up Arroyo Conejo are lots of signs (or were, last time I was up there) saying the area is a nature preserve and closed to access; however, there's a trail above the canyon, to the southwest (right), that bypasses the preserve and takes you all the way to Hillcrest. Unfortunately this is a really short route, better for jogging than cycling, and Matt's suggestion for a loop north into Santa Rosa Valley is more fun.
ScottR1
Posted:07/23/2003
Trail UpdateWhere Is The Bridge-It has been a couple of months since I did this ride so it may have changed but here is how I did it. If you go down toward the sewer plant and there will be a small single track that takes off towards it. This little trail will last about 1/4 mile at the most and then hit a paved road leading out of the plant towards Santa Rosa Valley. As you make you way down the road you should see a dirt road with a gate on the left. Go under this gate and make your way toward the creek. You should see a sandbag dam here which is what is used as the bridge. The fire road picks back up on the other side of the creek and and offers a few options. The best choice I believe is the road leading up to the saddle that contains the powerlines. Once in the saddle hang a right and continue up over the top of the mountains and down into Santa Rosa. From here you can take the paved road back into the Sewage Plant and continue your original look around the Wildwood singletrack. Hope this helps out.
Matt a Cross-Country Rider from Newbury Park
Posted:07/23/2003
Trail UpdateWildwood Canyon/Arroyo Conejo-According to the guide I was using today, you can ride Wildwood Canyon Trail past the sewage plant, hang a left onto a bridge that crosses the creek, and continue up the Arroyo Conejo trail. Looked like fun on paper, but when I got past the plant, the entire area was bulldozed to hell and no bridge! Anybody know wha happon?
Ride rating: Beginner
Ride distance: ? miles Elevation change: some
Singletrack=5% Dirt Road=95%
Seaclasper a Weekend Warrior riding a Trek from Long Beatch, CA
Posted:07/22/2003
Trail UpdateThanks (from Post Below)...-
that would go to the dedicated Rangers of CRPD and COSCA.
Believe me, as a T.O. local, I thank God for these trails every time I ride!

The Preacher a Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant AC Air from Newbury Park
Posted:07/18/2003
Trail UpdateWildwood-I just rode some of the Wildwood trails yesterday, and was a bit apprehensive to do so, as I'd read quite a few entries regarding nuclear thistles and the like. Well, I'm not from the area, but it was pretty obvious someone had put in a lot of time trimming the overgrowth on the Santa Rosa trail - so THANK YOU, whoever you are, it made the trail very enjoyable! I also read a couple of entries about how the area wasn't that great. OK, it's not the San Gabriels, but wake up, people, you have a treasure in your backyard. I live in the dank, dirty burg of Long Beach and would kill to have little areas like this close by... I'll be back!
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: a few miles Elevation change: some
Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=20% Paved Path=10%
Seaclasper a 33 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Trek something-or-other from Long Beatch, CA
Posted:07/17/2003
Trail UpdateWild"Thistle"wood Hell-Rode at Wildwood on both Tuesday and Thursday. The main loop up towards Lizard Rock and down the single track to the water plant and up the main canyon is in great shape and lots of fun. Went up Indian Creek single track, which is also great. Also rode up the switchbacks of the Santa Rosa Trail to the saddle and while resting decided that I would continue on the Santa Rosa Trail to complete the loop. HUGE MISTAKE. If you like to bleed, get poked at least 100,000 times and ride through Thistle 2 feet taller then you then this is the trail for you. It is in need of serious maintenance.
I went back Thursday and decided to do the above first loop which was great yet again. I then decided to take a friend on the Lynnmere trail since he had never been on it. A great trail, UNLESS. Thistle from the prehistoric days. Festering wounds all over our legs and arms. I believe in certain sections of this trail that they are now conducting tests on a new form of warfare, “Nuclear Thistle”. Sections of the Lynnmere trail are so overgrown that you can’t see the trail directly below you. This would be fine if it was grass, mustard, poison oak, broken glass or braches with sharp razor blades. But NOOOOOOOOOOO, it is nuclear Thistle. A trail-maintenance day really should be organized here. Tools needed with be flamethrowers and the blood from those “Alien” creatures. Did I mention there is a little Thistle on the trail? Have to go. My arms and legs are bleeding again.

Ride distance: 15 miles Elevation change:
Matt a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider from Newbury Park
Posted:06/06/2003
Trail UpdateItchy & Scratchy-
Rode many of the park's trails this week, after doing a couple days of Trails Education. Lot's of overgrowth, especially on north side of Santa Rosa Trail and Lynnmere. All the north sides have tons of thistle, and all the south faces have mustard. Yesterday, my shins and knuckles -- through full finger gloves -- were actually bleeding from the thistle! Went by a sizzling rattler on the way up to Lynnmere from the creek.

The Preacher
Posted:05/16/2003
Trail UpdateCOSCA TWD THIS SATURDAY, 10/12!-
Come one, come ALL! See the post below, or click here:
http://www.cosf.org/2001/html/cvc-trailwork.html
The Preacher URL: http://www.cosf.org/2001/html/cvc-trailwork.html
Posted:10/08/2002
Trail UpdateWhen The Levee Breaks.....-Did a nice loop today under cool cloudy skies. I have been going out to the weigh station and back the last few times I have ridden here. Rode out to top of lizard rock, down the s/t past the plant. The city was removing a nice sandbag dam that was good for crossing the creek. Decided to go left and follow the dirt road to the end which turns into a steep uphill climb. Once at the top went left along the fencline to an overlook. From there went east on a fun s/t all the way to Lynn road. Nothing to technical, one steep uphill climb. Alot of fun s/t for the money.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: ? Elevation change: 1500` (?)
Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=20%
Simi Mike a 42 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant NRS1 from Simi flats
Posted:10/01/2002
Trail UpdateConejo Open Space TWD 2002-
http://www.cosf.org/2001/html/cvc-trailwork.html
The Preacher URL: http://www.cosf.org/2001/html/cvc-trailwork.html
Posted:09/17/2002
Trail UpdateThe climb up to Lizard Rock is always a test of how fit you are. If you can make it to the bottom of the technical section in the middle ring, then you know you're doing ok. And if you can tack on as much of the rough technical section as you can, then you're really doing great, as it's steep and nasty.
Once you hike-a-bike to the top, you can continue and head east or north or turn around and descend the previously mentioned technical section. I tripoded about half way down and it is steep! We took Stagecoach Bluff trail heading back and had a blast. Beware the cactus patch. My bro did the freak around the corner and ended up endo'ng right at the edge. Flatted, picked up numerous spines and tweaked his shoulder (again). Good fast and technical with a lot of imbedded rocky ascents and descents. Perfect for F/S, a beating on a hardtail.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Singletrack=60% Dirt Road=40%
STP a 41 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a 98' Schwinn Homegrown from Lancaster
Posted:06/05/2001
Trail UpdateWildwood Park, Stinky....yuck..-Ok, for all its worth, Wildwood is an ok place to bike. At the parking lot off Avenida De Los Arboles, you have a choice. You can either go up the hill to Lizard Rock or go down into the canyon and head straight toward the Falls. Me and a buddy decided to head first into the canyon to see the falls. We then followed the creek to see were it went and we noticed that it wasn't quite a pleasant smell. The water headed toward a treatment plant as it was probably a bunch of raw sewage directed into this stream! Nasty as all the streams smelled and looked dirty, oh well. It was probably a mixture of horse crap. Nevertheless, check out Paradise Falls as its cool.
From there, we followed the map and went straight and finally to the base of Lizard Rock trail which zigzags to the top. This is a good climb to the top. From here we went back toward the direcion of the parking lot, but rerouted toward the Stagecoach trail. The problem with that trail is that their are some difficult places to bike up or down. Otherwise, it is quite scenic.
Then, we went toward the Indian Cave. It's really just a hole in the wall, but climb up into it and pop out of the top so you fell like your exploring..hah hah. From there we headed toward Wildwood Fort. The sign at the end of the road is hidden, but you want to go down the steps..then back up the hill side. The actual fort is all fenced in because of termites, but its still pretty cool. You can head to the park at the top, and just take Avenida De Los Arboles back to the parking lot.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 10 Elevation change:
Singletrack=80%
wyldstyle a 23 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp from Sherman Oaks, CA
Posted:05/01/2001
Trail UpdateWildwood Park-There are several loops that can be combined in this park to make the ride as short or as long as you want it.
My favorite is to start at CLU and ride up to the sign. This hill provides a good warm up. Keep going all the way up to the gate, although you can take the fire road at the lower level just the same. The descent from the gate offers some very rocky technical terrain that will test even the most seasoned riders.
Continue on the Santa Rosa trail and drop into Wildwood park down the switchbacks. From within Wildwood park, turn right and head out to Lizards rock. Take the Box Canyon turn off, but don't drop all the way into the canyon. There's a nice little single track off on the left side that hooks back up with the main trail at the Stagecoach Bluff intersection.
Take Stagecoach Bluff back to the Teepee hill. Turn to the left and head back to the park enterance. Turn right on Avenida De Los Arboles and head towards Lynn Road. You have two choices now. You can turn into Wildwood Elemantary (follow signs towards the fort) whcih will drop you into the park along the river, or continue to Lynn road. Turning in at the school just makes the ride a little shorter depending on your time.
Turn right onto Lynn Road and look for the a trail on the right hand side just past the hospital. This is probably one of the best single tracks in the entire park. Take this trail and it will spit you out at the bottom of the teepee hill. You can take any of the three trails back up, but I prefer the "Long" climb mostly because it's more fun to get to. Turn right towards the falls. ride along the side of the falls and down the stairs. continue on the main trial to the big picnic area at the base of the long climb.
Go up the hill and grind it out all the way to the top. Take the road back to your car at CLU and you've done about 14 miles.
You can also add variety to this ride by heading out towards Newbury Park. You can see the hills from Lizard rock, and all of it is ridable. Just go down from the teepee towards the water treatment plant. Follow the trail/road along for the treatment plant (Hill Canyon for reference) and just after the right hand turn on the road there is a bridge that you can cross the stream. Take this trail and you can ride a nice out and back up the ridge that extends all the way to the truck weigh station on the grade. Although it's fire road it's pretty fun.

Ride rating: Intermediate
Michael Paul a 29 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a '99 K2 full/99 Barracuda HT from San Diego now, but rode this trail for 10 years
Posted:05/21/2000
Trail UpdateWildwood-Did this yesterday (Sunday). My brother and I rode this for fun, as he lives in T.O. Got to the trail
head off've Avenida de Los Arboles, and immediately
started on the Lizard Rock trail. Good little hill
gets you going, break a sweat and buzz saw up. Got to
the top, and some very considerate hikers (we met em' all day), gave us the right of way, allowing us to
at least pick up a little speed and cheat on the next
hill.
The yellow flowered plants were higher than our helmets, restricting our visibility, We were deep in
a 200' wide field of the stuff, but since it was uphill, didn't bother us much. Almost made the hill
directly under the Lizard, but two hikers stayed
on the good stuff (read: hardpacked) and I bonked
on the loose, as I was running a semi slick on the
back.
Walked the final part, which was super steep and
rocky, with the view improving with each step.
After a short break, rode through the rock garden
and climbed up on top of the Lizard, overlooking
the entire valley.
Coming back down, I wussed out on the steep part.
Having just put some new tasty stuff on my bike,
Didn't feel like thrashing it on the first ride.
Plus, the 20 inch Diamondback is shaped just like
a 10 speed frame (no sloping top tube here, great
for hauling on the flats, but sucks for descending
steep stuff) Feels like it wants to endo just sitting
on it. Even with the seat down, plus I didn't want
to crunch my brand new XT derlr, just yet, so I walked
it. Been doing this a year and still have lots to learn.
Anyway, we did the trail that skirts the top of the canyon. Was that a blast. New for us. Great sections of rocky stuff, that wasn't out to kill you, but fun enuff to be a challenge and just enjoyed working it.
We came out on a road that allowed us to go either
down to some kind of tepee, towards the bottom of
the canyon or back to the car. We went for mo'
adventure. Lots of hikers though. One of them,
was nice enuff to suggest the Indian Creek trail.
This ran along the creek bed, then over a wooden
bridge. We had to walk up more than a few steps
as we came up out of the ravine. Sometimes, there
were areas that were flat enough to ride a little
ways. Pat got into trouble on one of the tight
turns, couldn't unclip and fell over. No biggie,
but, he fell right on the brink of the trail bracing
on the hillside. It's shored up for 8-10 feet by
railroad ties. The bike,(still attached) momentum
carried itself over him, and rolled him right off
the edge.
He fell vertically about 8 feet, bike and all. Thank
God for big bushes, as him and the Stumpjumper were
ok. A scraped knee was all he got. Lucky dude.
We rode by the waterfalls, then the cave. Through
all kinds of cool tree tunnels. Broke out at the park
and started riding home. Good ride, good times and
a cold one at home to celebrate and go over the fun.
STP

Ride rating: Intermediate
STP a 41 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Too Tall DB hardtail from Lancaster
Posted:05/15/2000
Trail UpdateWildwood Canyon Park-Rode Wildwood last week and it's in excellent condition right now. The best loop for Wildwood is to go in at the Lynnmeer trailhead on Lynn Road in Thousand Oaks. Park at the Wildwood Park-De Los Arboles Park parking lot. Ride the street back out to Lynn Road and take a right. Go down about 3/4 mile and just as you start climbing up a hill across from the hospital look to your right, you'll see a canyon with a trailhead off of the street just before Janns Road. If you're at Janss Road intersection you've just passed it. Go in here. Follow this great little singletrack around the ridgeline for about 1-1/2 miles and you'll come out at another trailhead that's in Lynn Ranch(exculsive residential area) Take this trail down the hill and cross the creek to a trail hub. Take the left trail, toward the waterfalls. Go past the falls and picnic areas make a couple of creek crossings and on out to the water treatment plant. At this point get on the just completed rebuilt Lizardrock trail. This will take you up the hill, a tough switchback climb. At the top take Stagecoach Trail single track that follows the ridgeline looking down into Hill Canyon, the treatment plant and the waterfalls(where you've just come from). When Stagecoach comes out at a road go left and follow it about 1/4 to the Santa Rosa trail turnoff, the toughest but best trail in the park. This singletrack winds up the ridge and then goes over the top after some extreme and for most people, hike-a-bike switchbacks. After the switchbacks most of Santa Rosa is on the Northwest side of the ridgeline looking down into the Santa Rosa Valley, really nice views. Eventually the trail winds back over to the Thousand Oaks side of the ridge, keeps going and comes out at the Conejo Valley YMCA. Along the way are a couple of trailheads that bailout to streets in the adjacent residential areas. The total distance from where you get onto Santa Rosa to the YMCA is about 4 miles. From the YMCA turn right on Moorpark Road go down about 1/2 mile and make a right on Olsen Road, go down about a mile, make another right on Ave De Los Arboles and take that back to the parking lot and your car. This is a great 2+ hour loop, 90% singletrack, not counting the street sections. There are even more options to riding in Wildwood, email me if you want more info.Have fun.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 2 hours Elevation change:
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=5% Paved Path=5%
Ed a 44 year old Racer riding a Steel is real baby! from Newbury Park
Posted:10/25/1999
Trail UpdateTHE BIG SHIP-Rode the trail 6/20. The ride from the CLU area on the Santa Rosa Trail is fun with some technical rocky sections. Saw a 5 foot snake on the way so keep your eyes open as it looks to be one of those years. Trails are in pretty good shape though it would be nice if some day some work would be done on the south side of the Santa Rosa trail so bikers don't have to "hike a bike" for a little ways.
Singletrack=60% Dirt Road=40%
a Weekend Warrior
Posted:06/21/1999
Trail UpdateET-Did Santa Rosa Trail (which was tough up / switchback, loose rocks) but then backside was MOST_FUN singletrack, came back around & decided to try Lizard Rock trail.... WHY DID'NT ANYONE SAY THERE IS A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT THE BOTTOM OF WILDWOOD CANYON !!! Anyway's going down Lizard trail was tough/loose rocks, then you end up in stinkywood canyon for a few miles 'till you get to nice looking falls & back up 10 minutes to top. If you are looking for a area to get away from people or houses, or sewage treatment plants in the middle of your ride, THIS IS NOT THE PLACE.
Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=50%
a Weekend Warrior from Simi
Posted:02/01/1999
Trail UpdateStagecoach-A good short technical trail is the stagecoach trail. Good moderately steep rocky trail. Watch for snakes and runners on the down hills. You will be greatly rewarded with a cool downhill. You come out with the option of going left to Lizard rock or right to Santa Rosa trail.
Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=50%
a 28 year old Weekend Warrior riding a GT Timberline FS from Thousand Oaks, CA
Posted:07/12/1998
Trail UpdateKick Ass Mtber-very nice hill coming from the tepe at a max speed of about 30-35mph it is about 1/4 mi. There are alot of coverde trails that ive found.
Email me if you live in this area and want ride with me: mtber123@aol.com
HAPPY TRAILS!!!!!!!!!!!
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10% Truck Trail=5%
Chad Jones a 15 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a GT backwoods from camarillo ">chad
Posted:03/17/1998
Trail UpdateThe rains of December have made the Santa Rosa Trail more technical than normal (and better in my opinion). Watch for snakebite flats!
a Cross-Country Rider
Posted:01/17/1998
Trail UpdateIt is very nice is Feb. March and April but a little dry during the summer. Nice senic views and Paradise Falls is really worth visiting. Go about 1/4 mile down the canyon (dirt road) and look for the sign on the left. Hike down a short but steep trail to the falls.
Singletrack=60% Dirt Road=40%
Ron Lashley a 49 year old Weekend Warrior from Thousand Oaks, CA
Posted:01/17/1998
Trail UpdateWildwood Canyon-Gets muddy and difficult after heavy rains. call the SMMC in Agoura Hills to check on conditions.
Steve Firestone a Weekend Warrior riding a Trek 930 from Oak Park, CA USA
Posted:01/17/1998
Trail Update<a Href="http://www.best.com/~micals/wildwood.html"> Wildw-
Posted:01/17/1998

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Wildwood Park - #WildwoodPark

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