Wildwood Park Strenuous Hike – Moonridge Trail, Lynnmere Trail, Indian Creek Loop

Moderately strenuous six mile round trip, with a total elevation gain/loss of about 1500 ft. Start on Moonridge Trail, then past the tepee, down into Wildwood Canyon, across the creek, and up to Lynnmere Trail which makes a big loop on the south side of Wildwood Park. Return by way of Indian Creek 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

Much of the hike described below is on Lynnmere Trail, which makes a big loop high on the south side of Wildwood Park. The entire route is on scenic, well maintained trails that provide good exercise and nice views of Wildwood Park and the west Conejo Valley. Parts of Lynnmere Trail are somewhat rocky, and after heavy rains there may be areas where water drains across the trail.
		Beginning at the southeast corner of Wildwood’s main parking lot, wooden steps lead down to Moonridge Trail.
		Heading southwest, there are beautiful views of Wildwood Canyon below.
		The trail gradually descends until it reaches a small bridge, then it turns uphill.
		After crossing a utility road, the trail runs downward again, this time on a set of wooden steps. A wooden footbridge crosses a small stream that is usually running, but can be dry in times of drought. Then more wooden steps lead upward again.
		Moonridge Trail ends at the utility road called North Tepee Trail. The “tepee” is down the road to the left.
		The tepee is actually a shade structure. There are benches, a drinking fountain, and directional signs.
		The road to the left of the tepee continues down into the canyon and toward the Lynnmere connector trail.
		At a stream crossing near the beginning of the Lynnmere conector trail, there is usually a wooden pallet to walk across. However, rains occasionally wash the pallet out of place, making a “dry crossing” difficult.
		Once across the stream, a very pleasant single track trail leads upward through the chaparral.
		As the connector reaches Lynnmere Trail, take the path across the small bridge to the left. This begins the loop portion of the hike. The trail will eventually return to this point from the other direction.
		Now, headed east, some of the extensive trail system of Wildwood Park can be seen across the canyon to the left.
		Turning toward the south, the trail descends as it approaches the Lynnmere neighborhood.
		There is one residential street crossing. The trail continues on the opposite side of the street, then swings toward the west and up to the ridge.
		At the high point on the hill there is an American flag. The flag is maintained and periodically replaced, but we (the authors of this hike description) don’t know who’s responsible.
		Continuing toward the west across the ridge,
		Wildwood Park is seen to the right,
		and Newbury Park is to the left.
		There are several trail access points where the trail passes behind nearby homes . . .
		. . . then leads toward the open space.
		Now, headed north, there are nice views of Hill Canyon.
		Nearing completion of the Lynnmere loop, there are again some great views looking across Wildwood Canyon.
		After returning to the canyon and a short walk on Wildwood Canyon Trail, a sign points across the creek to the “nature center”. Indian Creek Trail begins just across the bridge.
		Along Indian Creek Trail, turtles can often be seen on the stream banks below. Also look and listen for the many birds, including ducks and other water foul. Watch for frogs, squirrels, and rabbits too.
		Where the trail crosses the creek, the large rocks in the water make the crossing easy.
		As you begin your ascent, look and listen for Indian Creek Falls below on the right. Nearby, there is a trailside bench – a peaceful place to sit and enjoy the scenery.
		This very lush section of trail covered by wooden planks is one of the natural springs in the park.
		Leaving the creek, the trail curves back around toward the Arboles parking lot. At the trail intersection (instead of taking the path up to the street) turn left, walk past the sign, then take the left fork.
		Finally, follow the trail as it winds around and under the beautiful oak trees. Then, look for the wooden steps leading back to the parking lot.