Paradise Falls
A picturesque 40-foot waterfall in Wildwood Regional Park, accessible via scenic canyon hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery & full falls
Paradise Falls
Best Time
Lush greenery & full falls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque 40-foot waterfall in Wildwood Regional Park, accessible via scenic canyon hiking trails.
"Paradise Falls is a beautiful, accessible hike with a rewarding waterfall and stunning canyon views."
🚗 Parking is Free!
Parking at Wildwood Regional Park is free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly outing. Arrive early on weekends!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
While some trails are easy, the path to the falls gets rocky. Good hiking shoes are a must for a comfortable trek.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Paradise Falls
Wildwood Regional Park
A stunning 40-foot waterfall cascading into a pool, offering a picturesque natural spectacle.
Scenic Canyon Trails
Wildwood Regional Park
Winding paths through rugged canyons with beautiful views, dotted with wildflowers and lizards.
The Mysterious Tipi
Near the falls
An unexpected and intriguing landmark along the trail, adding a unique element to the hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Paradise Falls
Trail Conditions & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚗 Parking is Free!
Parking at Wildwood Regional Park is free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly outing. Arrive early on weekends!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
While some trails are easy, the path to the falls gets rocky. Good hiking shoes are a must for a comfortable trek.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially on sunny days, stay hydrated. There's a water fountain at the tipi, but it's best to carry your own.
🌿 Watch for Poison Oak
Be mindful of poison oak, particularly near the waterfall area. Stick to marked trails to avoid contact.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Free!
Parking at Wildwood Regional Park is free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly outing. Arrive early on weekends!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
While some trails are easy, the path to the falls gets rocky. Good hiking shoes are a must for a comfortable trek.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially on sunny days, stay hydrated. There's a water fountain at the tipi, but it's best to carry your own.
🌿 Watch for Poison Oak
Be mindful of poison oak, particularly near the waterfall area. Stick to marked trails to avoid contact.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is magnificent! Don't forget your camera or phone to snap photos of the falls and canyon vistas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Paradise Falls for its accessible trails and beautiful waterfall, making it a great spot for a relatively easy hike. The scenic canyon views and unique landmarks like the tipi add to the appeal. Some note that the path can get rocky near the falls and that swimming is not permitted.
"Somehow trailed here twice in a 2-week-period. The trail is easy to moderate, a good option for newbies to hiking. Route is manageable, however, as you approach the waterfall, it gets rocky.
The waterfall is best viewed from the left side, which might be hard to access that side."
Hanh Nguyen
"Took a beautiful July hike to Paradise Falls this past weekend. Parking is free and there were multiple open spaces on a Sunday afternoon.
There are multiple trails to take once you get there but the easiest is the flat road that stretches out into the distance.
We took the Moonridge trail which was very narrow and had a steep decline. It was scenic but I wouldn't recommend it if you are adverse to heights.
The falls are beautiful and even the algae covered pond had a luminous charm to it. Swimming isn't allowed but you wouldn't want to get into the water anyway.
I didn't see much wildlife but I'd be careful of the poison oak near the falls. I also wish the initial signs in the parking lot were clearer."
Jorrell Watkins
"- No fee of parking.
- Swimming is not allowed.
- Good to bring sunscreen and water on sunny days.
View are fantastic, like panorama in a super wide angle. Can enjoy cactus flowers along the trail, and little cute lizards. The water fall is smaller than we thought but it is unique and cool to visit."
A Pat Tran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paradise Falls is located within Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks, California. The most common access point is via the parking lot at 928 W Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. From there, you can follow various trails leading to the falls.
Yes, there is free parking available at the Wildwood Regional Park trailhead. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, as spaces can fill up quickly.
You can use the address 928 W Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 for GPS navigation to the parking area. Once in the park, follow the trail signs for Paradise Falls.
Many visitors use apps like AllTrails to find routes and track their progress. The trails are generally well-marked, but having a navigation app can be helpful, especially for exploring different paths.
Public transportation options to Wildwood Regional Park are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the park and its trails. It's advisable to check local transit schedules if considering public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to enter Wildwood Regional Park and hike to Paradise Falls. Parking is also free.
Wildwood Regional Park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. It's always a good idea to check the official Thousand Oaks Parks and Recreation website for the most current hours of operation.
Yes, Paradise Falls and Wildwood Regional Park are open year-round. The best time to visit for the most impressive waterfall flow is typically after significant rainfall, often in the spring.
No, swimming is not allowed at Paradise Falls or in the pools below. The water may also contain algae, making it uninviting for swimming.
There are no age restrictions for hiking to Paradise Falls. It's considered an easy to moderate hike, suitable for most fitness levels, including families. However, the rocky terrain near the falls requires caution.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Paradise Falls is generally considered easy to moderate. The initial trails are wide and relatively flat, but the path becomes more rocky and can involve some elevation changes as you get closer to the falls.
The hike to Paradise Falls can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the scenery. Some visitors also explore side trails like Little Cave.
You can expect beautiful canyon views, lush vegetation (especially in spring), and the main attraction: a 40-foot waterfall. You might also spot wildflowers and small lizards along the trails.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead parking area of Wildwood Regional Park. There is also a water fountain located near the tipi landmark.
Yes, Paradise Falls is often described as a family-friendly hike. The initial wide trails are good for younger children, but parents should exercise caution on the rockier sections closer to the falls.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around the waterfall itself offers the most dramatic photo opportunities. Capturing the cascade into the pool is a must. The canyon vistas and the unique tipi also make for interesting shots. +1
Morning light can be beautiful for photography, offering softer light and fewer crowds. However, the falls can be shaded in the afternoon. Consider the angle of the sun when planning your visit for the best lighting.
Drone usage is typically restricted in regional parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to check the specific regulations for Wildwood Regional Park before attempting to fly a drone.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you're looking for more dramatic waterfall shots, a wide-angle lens can be useful to capture the entire scene. A tripod can help with longer exposures in lower light.
The unexpected tipi along the trail provides a quirky and unique photo opportunity. The contrast of the man-made structure against the natural landscape is quite striking. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While swimming isn't allowed, the natural beauty and the chance to explore offer plenty of engagement for younger visitors. It's a great way to introduce children to hiking and the wonders of nature in a manageable and enjoyable setting. Ensure everyone wears comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
🚶 Budget Travelers
By packing your own provisions, you can avoid the need to purchase food or drinks, further keeping costs down. The hike itself is the main attraction, offering stunning scenery and a rewarding experience that doesn't require a hefty price tag. It's a perfect example of a high-value, low-cost outdoor activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Paradise Falls
The trails wind through scenic canyons, offering expansive views and a chance to connect with nature. Visitors often remark on the vibrant yellow of invasive black mustard plants during certain seasons, adding a splash of color to the landscape. While the path to the falls is manageable, it does become rockier as you approach, requiring a bit more careful footing.
Beyond the waterfall, the park offers other points of interest, including a unique tipi structure that adds an element of surprise to the hike. This blend of natural beauty and unexpected landmarks makes Paradise Falls a memorable and rewarding destination for a day trip.
Navigating the Trails of Wildwood Park
While the main trail to the falls is well-maintained and clearly signed, some alternative paths, like the Moonridge Trail, are noted as being narrower with steep declines, which might not be suitable for those with a fear of heights.
Hikers should also be aware of the natural environment. Poison oak can be found near the falls, and it's advisable to stick to the marked paths to avoid contact. The park's landscape can change seasonally, with wildflowers blooming in spring and the dry chaparral dominating in summer.
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