Lynnmere/Las Flores Loop
- Location: Thousand Oaks, Wildwood Park. There are several access points. This write-up starts from the San Miguel Trail at 2647 San Miguel Circle, Thousand Oaks. From Highway 101, take exit 45 for Lynn Rd. Head north (turn right if you are coming from Los Angeles; left if from Camarillo) for 2.6 miles. Turn left onto Avenida De Los Arboles, go 0.3 mile and turn left on Velarde Dr. Go 0.5 mile and turn left onto San Miguel Circle. Park where available by the trail head, located between houses 2645 and 2649.
- Agency: Conejo Open Space Foundation/Conejo Recreation and Parks District
- Distance: 4.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 550 feet
- Difficulty Rating: PG
- Suggested time: 2.5 hours
- Best season: Â October – June
- Recommended gear: hiking poles
sun hat
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Cell phone reception: Good
- Water: Fountain at Meadows Center
- Restrooms: At Meadows Center
- Camping: none
- More information: Map My Hike report here; area trail map here; another trail map (longer hike) here
- Rating: 5
This loop explores the eastern end of Wildwood Park, providing panoramic views of Mt. Clef and a pleasant stream side ramble along the north fork of Arroyo Conejo. The write-up below includes a side-trip to Indian Cave and the park’s famous Paradise Falls can be added with a detour of less than a mile.
From San Miguel Circle, descend the steps and turn left, hugging the top of the canyon with views across the way to Mt. Clef. You descend a few switchbacks and arrive at the Meadows Center, a picnic area with a small amphitheater, restrooms and water fountain. Bear right and cross a footbridge over the stream (ignore the Indian Creek Trail). A short spur on the left leads to Indian Cave, a large hole in the sandstone canyon walls. After exploring the cave, retrace your steps and continue along the Wildwood Canyon trail. At a T-junction, head left (the right fork leads to Paradise Falls should you decide to extend the trip) and cross the stream. The trail briefly enters an oak-dotted meadow and then climbs steeply to a junction with the Lynnmere Trail.
Head left on the Lynnmere Trail, which follows the curvy contour of the Arroyo Conejo’s south wall. The next 3/4 mile is shared with the Arroyo Conejo/Lynnmere Loop. Stay straight at the junction and continue another mile, climbing through a grove of scrub oaks and dropping down into a shaded canyon to cross the Arroyo Conejo’s south fork, before making one more steep climb to reach the trail’s eastern end at Lynn Rd. Turn left and follow Lynn Rd. a short distance to Avenida De Las Flores. Turn left and go 0.2 mile to an access trail at the intersection of Avenida De Las Flores and Gold Strike Avenue. Follow this back into the park and continue west on the Las Flores Trail.
The Las Flores Trail skirts the backsides of several homes before beginning a steep descent to cross the Arroyo Conejo’s north fork. Now the hike takes on a more remote feel as the trail (which becomes the Wildwood Canyon Trail en route) rambles through the shade of live oaks that flourish in the riparian environment, free from virtually all sights and sounds of the nearby suburbs. At 4.5 miles from the start, you return to the San Miguel Trail at the Meadows Picnic Area. Retrace your steps back uphill to San Miguel Circle.
Photo gallery (click thumbnails to see full sized versions)
Text and photography copyright 2017 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities.  By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail.  Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.