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Thousand Oaks, California

Thousand Oaks, California is a great place to explore and enjoy activities. From scenic trails to must-visit attractions, there are a plethora of activities for adventurers to enjoy. For those who are looking for a great hike, the Wildwood Regional Park is a great choice. It offers a variety of trails for all levels of hikers. For those looking for a more leisurely activity, the Conejo Valley Botanical Garden is the perfect spot. It offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere and is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of nature. Other popular attractions in and near the area include the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the Camarillo Premium Outlets, and the Paramount Ranch. All of these places offer unique experiences and are great destinations for all.

Top Spots in and near Thousand Oaks

  • Oak Park, California

    China Flat Trail to Simi Peak

    5.0
    5.03 mi / 1398 ft gain
    From the trailhead, simply follow the trail headed up the mountain. The first 2 miles is the hardest part of the hike, because of the steep ascent.  Continue on until you hit a junction. Turn left, and you will eventually see an old rusty gate, and a sign which says "China Flat Trail". You will ...
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  • Thousand Oaks, California

    Hiking Wildwood Regional Park

    3.8
    Wildwood Regional Park is open year-round, easily accessible, and offers great routes for hiking, running, biking, and even horseback riding. There are also two waterfalls inside the park—the larger of the two, Paradise Falls, cascades 40 feet into a large pool. To catch some beautiful views of t...
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  • Thousand Oaks, California

    Paradise Falls Loop

    4.3
    2.26 mi / 300 ft gain
    The hike to Paradise Falls is about 1.5 miles one way with around 300 feet elevation change. Take it easy starting the hike because the real challenge is the change in elevation going back to your car since you'll be going uphill. At the trailhead, follow the signs indicating the location of Para...
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  • Agoura Hills, California

    Ladyface Peak

    4.5
    2.05 mi / 971 ft gain
    Ladyface is a volcanic ridge that juts up over Agoura Hills. It is a short but steep hike up the ridgeline, and it offers amazing views to either side. Sections of the trail are steep and sandy so it can be challenging to maintain your footing. Trekking poles are optional and can help with the de...
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  • Westlake Village, California

    Climb at Echo Cliffs

    1.3 mi
    The hike to the crag is about 1.3 miles one way and takes roughly 45 minutes. The approach starts at the Backbone / Mishe Mokwa trail head off Yerba Buena Rd.  After walking a couple minutes you'll see a sign pointing left for the backbone trail or straight for Mishe Mokwa. Continue straight and ...
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  • Malibu, California

    Sandstone Peak

    4.8
    3.03 mi / 971 ft gain
    If you live in Los Angeles, Sandstone Peak is a must! The hike to the summit can be done on a 2 mile hike up and back on Sandstone Peak Trail, or a 6.5 mile hike up and back on Backbone Trail. The shorter trail is more popular, yet both are equally rewarding. You won't believe the views from the...
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  • Malibu, California

    Balanced Rock via Sandstone Trailhead

    5.0
    4.36 mi / 1125 ft gain
    ...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead,...
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  • 12869 Yerba Buena Road, California

    Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak

    5.0
    7.06 mi / 1755 ft gain
    Take Yerba Buena road to the trailhead. It is less zigzagged and shorter distance from PCH. Parking is easy provided that you start early in the morning. If the lot is full, you can always park on the side of the road. Bathroom is available at Sandstone Peak Trailhead parking lot, just 0.8 miles ...
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  • Malibu, California

    Newton & Zuma Canyon Falls

    4.3
    2 mi / -600 ft gain
    Three waterfalls in one short hike?!...I'll take it! That's what you'll get if you make the visit to these falls in the Santa Monica mountains in Malibu. The trailhead starts on Kanan Dume road, which is also where the Backbone trail meets. Park in the designated (free) parking area and take the ...
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  • Malibu, California

    Backbone Trail via Kanan Dume

    5.0
    4.47 mi / 1089 ft gain
    Fair warning, it can get very hot in Malibu, especially in the summer or fall. We started at the Kanan Dume Road lot. It fills up quick, both directions offer beautiful hiking, but most people tend to go west, it seems. While that's beautiful, you end on a decent uphill, so if hiking is new or c...
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  • Malibu, California

    Hike the Backbone East from Latigo Canyon

    3.8 mi / 780 ft gain
    Starting in a dusty, generally empty parking lot, at about 2,000' ASL, you'll go immediately due north, up a few more feet before you drop down into another canyon covered in live oaks (and poison oak), thistles, ferns, and wildflowers. There's only one trail. It's windy, it's not hilly, it just ...
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  • Malibu, California

    Grotto Trail

    2.64 mi / 492 ft gain
    Who doesn't enjoy a hike that offers water, scenic views, boulder hopping and a subterranean cave? I know I do! The Grotto Trail begins at Circle X Ranch, which looks a bit like a small cowboy western store, and is approximately 6 miles from the Highway 1 (PCH). The parking is a tad tight, fittin...
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  • Newbury Park, California

    Boney Peak

    4.0
    12.04 mi / 3025 ft gain
    The hike begins at the parking lot for Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park, CA just outside LA. Pull into the parking lot and walk on the dirt road until you see the trail for Boney Peak. It is easy to find because the peak can be seen from the beginning of the trail. The trail is generally an in...
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  • Ventura County, California

    Sycamore Canyon Falls

    3.3 mi / 545 ft gain
    ...When arriving in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, take the drive and park at Sycamore Canyon parking lot. Parking is free and also offers restrooms and some history about the park. Follow the trailhead South until you come to the Satwiwa Culture Center on your left and a dome-like...
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  • Agoura Hills, California

    Malibu Lake Overlook

    5.0
    4.12 mi / 741 ft gain
    To get to the trail, use the address 27800 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. This will take you to a dirt pull off right off the Mulholland Highway. At the southern part of the pull off, you'll see a dirt path leading up and away from the road. This is the Cistern Trail Trailhead. You'l...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Backbone Trail via Corral Canyon

    5.0
    2.08 mi / 89 ft gain
    The backbone trail was a vision that started in the 1980’s. It is a trail that stretches 65 Miles starting in Will Rodgers State Historic Park and ending at Thornhill Broome Beach. It has many entrance and exit points but it is anchored in the middle by the Coral Canyon Trail Head. The full trail...
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Camping and Lodging in Thousand Oaks

Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday
Santa Paula, California

Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday

Pyramid Lake   Emigrant Landing Day Use Area
Castaic, California

Pyramid Lake Emigrant Landing Day Use Area

Pyramid Lake   Los Alamos Campground
Castaic, California

Pyramid Lake Los Alamos Campground

Wheeler Gorge
Ojai, California

Wheeler Gorge

Holiday Group Campground
Ojai, California

Holiday Group Campground

Santa Cruz Scorpion
Smugglers Road

Santa Cruz Scorpion

Guides, Insights and Stories from Thousand Oaks

Velo Ventura: The 5 Best Cycling and Mountain Biking Trails in the Heart of the Central Coast

Velo Ventura: The 5 Best Cycling and Mountain Biking Trails in the Heart of the Central Coast

Josiah Roe

By Land & Sea: 72 Hours in Ventura, California

By Land & Sea: 72 Hours in Ventura, California

Josiah Roe

Cooking with Coleman: Camp stove tacos with Paulina Dao and the City Project

Cooking with Coleman: Camp stove tacos with Paulina Dao and the City Project

The Outbound Collective

The Best Post-Adventure Food

The Best Post-Adventure Food

Aaron Rickel Jones

Reservation Permits Needed To Reopen Trails Responsibly, Says Steve Gerhardt

Reservation Permits Needed To Reopen Trails Responsibly, Says Steve Gerhardt

Aaron Rickel Jones

The Mountains Are Calling, and I Let It Go to Voicemail

The Mountains Are Calling, and I Let It Go to Voicemail

Aaron Rickel Jones