01
Best close-to-home stroll
Santa Rosa Valley Park
Santa Rosa Valley • Oak-Lined Creek And Meadow Trails • Gentle Family-Friendly Option
A quiet, horse-country park with easy dirt paths, big shade trees, and a laid-back rural feel just minutes from local neighborhoods.
If you want a low-key walk without a long drive, this is the go-to spot in the valley. Wide paths follow the creek and edge past pastures, with enough gentle up-and-down to feel like a hike but nothing too strenuous. It’s a comfortable choice for families, dog walkers, or anyone easing into the local trail scene.
02
Classic waterfall hike
Wildwood Regional Park (Paradise Falls)
Thousand Oaks – Wildwood • Canyon And Mesa Network With Waterfall Highlight • Crowd-Pleasing Half-Day Outing
A varied loop of mesas, volcanic outcrops, and a year-round waterfall that feels surprisingly wild considering how close it is to town.
The Paradise Falls loop is a local rite of passage, pairing broad desertlike mesas with steep drops into a cool, shaded canyon. You’ll pass teepee frames, climb short but punchy hills, and end up at the falls, which makes a natural turnaround spot for snacks and photos. Go early or on a weekday if you prefer a quieter experience on these popular trails.
03
Quiet canyon escape
Hill Canyon and Hawk Canyon Trail
Between Santa Rosa Valley And Camarillo • Riparian Canyon And Rolling Open-Space Loop • Best For Peaceful Morning Hikes
A mellow mix of creekside singletrack and open hillsides where you’re more likely to hear birds and frogs than road noise.
Starting near Hill Canyon, this route quickly slips into a surprisingly lush corner of open space, with willows, sycamores, and seasonal wildflowers lining the creek. The Hawk Canyon section feels especially tucked away, with a narrower trail and cooler air on hot days. It’s a good choice when you want a bit of solitude without committing to a big climb or long drive.
04
Best ridgeline views
Los Robles Trail to Angel Vista
Newbury Park • Flowing Ridge And Chaparral Singletrack • Local Favorite For Sunset Hikes
A steady climb to a breezy overlook with sweeping views toward Santa Rosa Valley, the Conejo Grade, and the distant Channel Islands on clear days.
From the Newbury Park side, the Los Robles Trail winds up through classic coastal sage scrub and oak pockets before popping out onto a ridge. Angel Vista’s lookout benches make it easy to linger and watch the light change across the surrounding hills. The climb is moderate but sustained, so bring water and plan extra time if you’re hiking up for sunset and returning in the fading light.
05
Big summit day
Sandstone Peak via Backbone and Mishe Mokwa
Santa Monica Mountains Near Malibu • Rocky High-Country Loop With Ocean Panoramas • Best For Strong Hikers Chasing Vistas
A rewarding loop that tags the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, with rugged rock formations and long views over the ocean and inland valleys.
This is the kind of hike locals save for clear days, when the views from Sandstone Peak stretch from the Channel Islands to the inland ranges. The loop via the Backbone and Mishe Mokwa trails weaves through sculpted sandstone, shady gullies, and balcony-like viewpoints, with enough elevation gain to feel like a real summit effort. It’s a longer, more demanding outing than the valley parks, so start early, pack plenty of water, and give yourself time to enjoy the overlooks.