Wildwood Park Easy Hike – Stagecoach Bluff, Lizard Rock, Mesa Trail Loop

Easy 2½ mile round trip, with a total elevation gain/loss of about 300 ft. Take Mesa Trail to N. Tepee Trail to Stagecoach Bluff Trail. Follow Stagecoach Bluff Trail until it re-connects with Mesa Trail. Turn left and continue up to Lizard Rock for great views of Wildwood Park, Conejo Valley and Santa Rosa Valley. Return by way of Mesa Trail.

How to get there: Drive to the west end of Avenida de Los Arboles. Park in the lot at Arboles & Big Sky.

Map of This Hike

Detailed Hike Description & Photos:

		Use the dirt parking lot at Avenida de los Arboles and Big Sky Drive.
		Begin by heading west on Mesa Trail.
		After a very short and mild incline, the Wildwood Mesa comes into view. The volcanic rock outcropping straight ahead is Lizard Rock. In certain lighting conditions, and with a good imagination, the rocky point can look like a lizard perched atop the hill.
		Continuing on the road and through the gate . . .
		. . . where the road splits, instead of following the sign that points straight ahead toward Lizard Rock, a slight diversion to the left will lead to Stagecoach Bluff Trail and a great overview of Wildwood Park.
		The turnoff for Stagecoach Bluff Trail is marked by a sign on the right. The trail is a bit rocky in places, but not difficult.
		After just a little elevation gain, Wildwood Canyon comes into view, with Newbury Park in the distance.
		From over a patch of prickly-pear cactus, looking back toward the south-east is the tepee (shade structure), and the creek running through the canyon below.
		To the north-east is Wildwood Mesa and Mount Clef Ridge.
		And, to the north-west, the trail leading on toward Lizard Rock.
		Just before reaching Lizard Rock, there is a short, fairly steep and rocky section of trail, but the views from the top can make it worth the effort.
		At the top, stop and enjoy views. You can see parts of Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, and the Santa Rosa Valley as well as the vast open space of Wildwood and Hill canyons. This is looking toward the north-west at an agricultural area.
		A residential area of Santa Rosa Valley is visible to the north-east.
		To the south and southwest is scenic Hill Canyon.
		Lizard Rock is a popular destination for “full moon hikes” (offered regularly by Conejo Recreation and Park District and Sierra Club groups among others). Here is a group of hikers awaiting the moon rise.
		Heading back down, there are more views of Wildwood Canyon and Stagecoach Bluff Trail to the right.
		Wildwood Mesa and Mesa Trail are ahead, with Mount Clef Ridge on the left.
		Looking right across the mesa and beyond the canyon, The Santa Monica Mountains and Boney Ridge are visible in the distance.
		To the left, outstanding views of the volcanic rock features of Mount Clef Ridge.
		When the trail/road turns to the right, take the path straight ahead, up the slight incline, and back to the parking lot.