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Paradise Falls – The easy way

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Paradise Falls – The easy way

**3.5 miles, 650′ 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 route is the easy way to Paradise Falls and suitable for fit beginners.

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 all the time, even though this water is not safe or legal for either due to health risks and debris hidden below the surface.

**[The Route](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/f/9/c/highres_502524476.jpeg)**

*To the Main Parking Lot*
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 take a tunnel that goes under the road and make our way to the park side of the road. We’ll turn right (west) for 1 block, where we’ll see an entrance to the Moonridge trail that runs parallel to the road.

We’ll enter and make a right, following it around past the first set of junctions, continuing for about 1/4 mile, and then follow it around to the left instead of taking the stem to the right.

This will take us to the steps to the main trail head parking lot on the right side. We’ll turn right, going up the stairs, and head across the lot to the entrance of the Mesa trail.

*To the Tepee*
We’ll take that trail, past the gate, and after 2000′, turn left on the North Tepee Trail. We’ll follow this down for 2000′ more to a large Tepee structure. We’ll regroup, we can take a few pictures, there’s a drinking fountain, and we can rest a moment.

*To the Waterfall*
We’ll then continue down to the Paradise Falls waterfall by following the zig-zag trail and taking a stair case down.

*The Snack Share*
After a short visit, we’ll return a different way, heading partly back up and across the back side of the waterfall along Wildwood Canyon trail. After about another 100 yards, we’ll come to a 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*
If you head back early instead of staying for the entire social event, you are responsible for finding your own way back, although there is almost always someone leaving early that knows the route. Please study the map in this description.

*Continuing with the group*
For this hike, we’ll take the easiest way back. We continue on this trail and it comes to a dead end, we make a right and then immediate left onto the Indian Creek trail. We’ll follow this all the way back to our cars, making a right towards the end when it dead ends again.

**Some Plants on this hike**

*[Prickly Pear Cactus](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/f/b/2/highres_502524498.jpeg)*

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.

*[Lemonade Berry](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/f/b/5/highres_502524501.jpeg)*

Some saps can produce skin allergic reactions. Good kindling. Usually, the berries are toxic. They are covered with a gooey sour (like lemon) coating. Hikers sometimes drop a seed or two into their water bottles to give the water a tang. Wide leaves, rounded tips, edges are smooth, dull on back. Can only be found in the California hills.

**Directions:**
Wildwood Park
635 W Avenida De Los Arboles
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

This is not the main trailhead lot. Go to the tennis and basketball parking lot (Wildflower Playfield).

Pay attention to where it is legal to park, and if the lot is full, there is another lot 500′ east, or park in the neighborhood across the street.

**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: 3.5miles, 3 1/2 hrs
Elevation Gain: 650′
Pace: 2.0 mph
[Difficulty](https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879781): Fit Beginner
Dogs: Yes
Restrooms: Yes – at the start
Drinking Fountains: Yes
Parking: Free
Trail: Double and single track, fire road.

**What to Bring:**
1-2 liters of water.
[Snacks and/or beverages to share](https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/messages/boards/thread/50879772)
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp for evening hikes.
Insect Repellent

**[FAQ](https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/pages/23772638/Frequently_Asked_Questions)**
**[Disclaimer / Release of Liability](https://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Plus/pages/29622459/Is_Hiking_Dangerous)**

June 14 2022

Details

Date: June 14, 2022
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Hiking Group:
RSVP: Visit Meetup Website

Venue

Tennis Court parking lot

635 W Avenida de Los Arboles
Thousand Oaks,CAUS

+ Google Map

Organizer

Hiking Plus
Website: Visit Organizer Website

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Trail statistics are approximate. For safety purposes always assume they are underestimated. But don’t be disappointed if they are overestimated. Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need.

Trail descriptions are based on previous hikes. Current conditions are unknown until arrival. Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly.

The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER and Section 6.2 of the Meetup.com Terms of Service.