01
Best in-town warmup hike
Triunfo Park Conejo Crest Loop
Westlake Village – Triunfo Canyon • Short Neighborhood Ridge And Canyon Loop • Closest In-Town Option
A convenient loop straight from a local park that climbs quickly to ridge views over Westlake Village.
Starting from Triunfo Community Park, this loop uses park paths and singletrack to gain the low ridge above the neighborhood for surprisingly wide views. It is a go-to when you want a real hike without getting in the car for a long drive. Expect a few short, steeper sections, minimal shade, and an easy post-hike transition to the playground or picnic tables below.
02
Best mellow scenic stroll
Lake Eleanor Open Space Trail
Lake Eleanor Open Space, Westlake Village • Lakeview Open-Space Ramble • Relaxed Nature Walk
A gentle out-and-back with rolling terrain, lake glimpses, and a quiet open-space feel just minutes from local streets.
The Lake Eleanor trail winds across grassy hillsides and low ridges, with intermittent views of the water and nearby neighborhoods. It is popular with dog walkers and casual hikers who want dirt under their shoes without a big climb. Go early or near sunset for softer light, bring sun protection, and expect to share the path with families and locals getting in their daily loop.
03
Best all-around day hike
Malibu Creek State Park – Rock Pool and Beyond
Malibu Creek State Park, Southeast Of Westlake Village • Classic State-Park Canyon Hike • Best All-Around Day Trip
A varied canyon route through oaks and volcanic rock formations, with options to reach the famous Rock Pool and longer side trails.
Malibu Creek State Park delivers a bigger, more dramatic landscape while still being an easy drive from Westlake Village. The main canyon trail to the Rock Pool is relatively gentle but feels wild enough, with stream crossings in wetter months, tall cliffs, and broad valley views. Start early on weekends to beat crowds and heat, and use this as a base to tack on side trails if you want to turn a simple outing into a half-day hike.
04
Best family-friendly adventure
Wildwood Canyon and Paradise Falls
Thousand Oaks – Wildwood Park • Waterfall-Focused Regional Park Hike • Best For Families
A moderate loop with a real payoff at Paradise Falls, plus side canyons and mesas that keep kids and adults engaged.
Wildwood Park’s network of trails lets you build everything from a short waterfall walk to a longer loop over the mesas. The classic route drops into Wildwood Canyon, threads its way to shaded Paradise Falls, and then climbs back out on exposed slopes with good views toward the Conejo Valley. Pack extra water on warm days, expect some stairs and sandy sections, and plan a slower pace if you are hiking with younger kids.
05
Best big-view summit hike
Sandstone Peak and Mishe Mokwa Loop
Santa Monica Mountains, Southwest Of Westlake Village • Challenging Mountain Summit Loop • Best Workout And Big Views
A longer loop to the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, with rugged rock formations and sweeping coastal and inland views.
The Mishe Mokwa–Sandstone Peak loop feels like a true mountain outing while still being within an easy drive of Westlake Village. The trail undulates through sculpted sandstone, chaparral, and oak pockets before climbing to the summit spur, where a short scramble delivers panoramas from the Channel Islands to the inland valleys on a clear day. It is exposed and can be hot, so bring plenty of water, start early, and expect a steady workout with some rocky footing.