3.3 miles, 800′ gain, fit beginner.
A hike to Paradise Falls is one of the most popular things to do for those visiting Simi Valley, yet a lot of people that live nearby rarely make this fun hike or perhaps have never done it. There are several paths one can take to the falls.
This one is often described as “easy” but I rate it easy-intermediate because there are a few extended inclines of 1000 steps and there are several hills of about 100 steps that are somewhat steep. There are also a couple “stair cases” made of railroad ties that are up to 4 stories.
The waterfall is flowing fully even during our drought conditions. It is fed by urban run-off, surface water waste created by urbanization. It feeds into a small pond, where I see people swimming and diving on occasion, but this water is not safe or legal to swim in due to health risks and debris hidden below the surface.
This is Mark the Bold’s Moonridge loop route.
We’ll be starting from the tennis court parking lot 4 blocks east of the trail head parking lot and across the road.
We’ll head about 100 steps north and go down and into an under-street tunnel to cross the road. We’ll turn right out of the tunnel, and follow this path around.
There are several splits of this trail, so follow the group. The trail leads through a thick canopy to the bottom of the steps that lead to the main parking lot. We’ll regroup there.
We’ll continue along the Moonridge trail, following it around, crossing a fire road, and make a left at the North Teepee trail for about 500′ to a large Teepee. We can take a few pictures, there’s a drinking fountain, and we can rest a moment. Then we’ll continue down to the waterfall and hang out for a short while.
To continue, we’ll head partly back up and across the back side of the waterfall along Wildwood Canyon trail. After about another 200 yards, we’ll come to couple picnic tables on the right where we’ll share snacks and beverages (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772).
Returning Early
For those that wish to head back instead of hanging around for the entire snack share, you are responsible for finding your own way back. You can either follow the posted route and map, or take this alternate route: left at the next junction, a relatively steep up for 200 yds. back to the Teepee, turn right and continue 1/2 mile until it dead-ends, then turn right again. After 1/2 mile, you will reach the trail head parking lot. Turn right at the road for 4 block and cross the street to find the tennis court parking lot.
Continuing with the group
We’ll continue for 1/3 mile along the Wildwood Canyon trail, cross a bridge, make a left, and follow the Indian Creek trail for 1 mile until arriving back through the tunnel and back to the parking lot.
If you are not following the leader on the return, you should know:
• After crossing the bridge and turning left, you will come to a creek. We’ll be taking a sharp turn to the left a few feet before the second creek. It’s easy to miss and almost doesn’t even look like a trail.
Interesting Notes:
You will see several entities of note:
Prickly Pear Cactus
Inside and fruit are edible. Remove needles and scrape to remove hairs, cut top off, hollow out to make water container. Burn or scrape off needles – even stones can be used if you don’t have a knife. Fruit peels easily. Eat seeds and all. Use duct tape to remove thorns from hands.
Sugar Bush
Looks almost like Laurel Sumac. Pointy leaves, which is one way to tell it apart from the Lemonade berry. Has fuzzy red berries in long clumps that can be used to make a lemonade like drink. Sap from the fruit can be used as a sweetener. Leaves are edible. Can only be found in the California hills.
Directions:
Wildwood Park
635 W Avenida De Los Arboles
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
From the 118:
CA-118 west to CA-23.
Continue south on CA-23 to exit 15 for 4.8 miles, Avenida de los Arboles
Turn right (east) on Avenida de los Arboles for 3.3 miles until 4 blocks before it ends. There will be tennis courts on the right with a parking lot.
From CA-23:
CA-23 to exit 15, Avenida de los Arboles
East on Avenida de los Arboles for 3.3 miles until it ends.
Trail head on the left.
Turn right (east) on Avenida de los Arboles for 3.3 miles until 4 blocks before it ends. There will be tennis courts on the right with a parking lot.
The Hike:
Distance: 3.3 miles, 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 800′
Pace: 2.0 mph
Difficulty (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781): Easy Intermediate
Dogs: Yes.
Restrooms: Yes – when we arrive at the main parking lot.
Drinking Fountains: Yes.
Parking: Free.
Trail: Double and single track, fire road.
What to Bring:
1-2 liters of water.
Snacks and/or beverages (https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772)to share.
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp for evening hikes.
Repellent – There can be lots of gnats.
Disclaimer / Release of Liability:
https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/pages/29622459/Is_Hiking_Dangerous/