More than a third of Thousand Oaks consists of protected open space, crisscrossed by 150 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. When choosing activities, it’s worth keeping the city’s different features in mind: trails and nature walks, garden areas, historical exhibits and other recreational options offer different perspectives on Thousand Oaks.
Trails and Garden Landscape
Wildwood Regional Park has 14 hiking trails with a total length of 17 miles. The park also offers nature walks; cycling is possible there as well. This means both hikes and bike rides are options for activities in the park. The trails are not limited to a single way of getting around, but offer several ways to enjoy the open space.
The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden offers a different focus. In the heart of Thousand Oaks, it covers 33 acres of natural terrain. It includes fifteen specialty gardens on the slopes and a creekside trail. The garden areas and the creekside trail are distinct parts of the garden: when choosing what to explore, you can consider whether you’re particularly interested in the gardens or a trail along the creek.
History and Named Trails
The Stagecoach Inn Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as California Registered Historical Landmark No. 659. Its Tri-Village exhibit features dwellings representing three historical eras of settlement and use of the Conejo Valley: the Chumash, Spanish and Pioneer periods. The exhibit gives these three eras a concrete form and chronological order.
Three short hiking trails run through the grounds of the Stagecoach Inn Museum: a nature trail, the “Runaway Stage Trail,” and the “Heritage Rose Garden and Farm Trail.” The trails have different names and themes; what they share is that they run through the museum grounds. As a result, the grounds offer named trails as well as the exhibit.
The Big Sycamore Canyon Trail runs from Satwiwa to the Pacific Ocean, following a historic Chumash trade route. The Satwiwa Loop Trail is designated for hikers only. These details provide two different points of reference for planning: the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail has a stated direction, destination and historical connection, while the Satwiwa Loop Trail has a specified type of permitted use.
Visiting Information and Other Activities
The Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center is open on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Because hours may change, check them before your visit. This will help you plan your visit around the stated weekend hours.
Public access to the McCrea Ranch Visitor Center is through scheduled programs offered by the Conejo Recreation and Park District. Such a program is therefore the relevant arrangement for a visit. This access option differs from an activity that requires no reservation: at the Rabbit Flats Disc Golf Course in Thousand Oaks Community Park, play is on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not required. For this option, access is determined by order of use rather than by a prior reservation.
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