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    Tarantula Hill

    4.5 (8 reviews)

    Tarantula Hill Photos

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    Jenny S.

    This is a short hike, but don't let that fool you, it is VERY steep. A butt breaker, it will definitely get your blood pumping and have you really leaning into the climb. The trail is a paved narrow road that winds all the way up, so beware if your dog likes to chase rabbits, there are many and the drop is straight down. I have not see any of the famed residents yet, but if you are interested, free group dusk hikes are offered at specific times during the season to view and learn more about the tarantulas. You can usually find out about these on local FB groups like Conejo Valley Guide. The hill is also a great place to see: mammals, reptiles, other insects and a variety of plant life, including cacti and wildflowers, especially in the spring! Parking is along the shoulder of the road across from the botanical garden on sand and gravel. The trail is clearly marked with a sign. Once you reached the top you are able to enjoy a 360 degree view of the Conejo Valley and beyond!

    Trailhead sign
    Stan W.

    If you're looking for a short hike in the Thousand Oaks area then Tarantula Hill (aka Dawn's Peak) is a decent option. It's a bit steep but the short, 1/2 mile hike picks up 275ft in elevation change. The road/trail is paved and wide enough for one car but since it's gov't property only permitted vehicles are allowed. Once you get to the top (about a 15-20 minute walk) you'll have panoramic views of the Conejo Valley. There's one bench atop the hill for those who want to sit/relax and get a birds-eye view of the surrounding neighborhoods. Be cautious on hot days because there is virtually no shade except for the large oak tree at the bottom of the hill. Fortunately there is plenty of parking along the shoulder of Gainsborough although there is not anyplace to lock your bike. I have yet to see any tarantulas on Tarantula Hill although I've never been here in the Fall time. Tarantula Hill seems like a good option for those with minimal time but want to get outside and get some steps in.

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    2 months ago

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    Paradise Falls - Paradise Falls

    Paradise Falls

    4.5(321 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    A friend recently took me to Paradise Falls, and it was such a beautiful and peaceful experience…read more We started on the Teepee Trail where we saw a really cool teepee structure, then continued down to the bottom of the falls. The waterfall is stunning from below, and the view from the top is just as spectacular. Along the way we explored a small cave and passed two beautiful creeks. We even saw some ducks flying overhead, which made the whole hike feel even more special. After that, we hiked uphill on the Teepee Trail, stopped at Lizard Rock, and eventually made our way back to the parking lot. The views throughout the hike are wonderful and so peaceful there's nothing like disconnecting and reconnecting with nature here. Parking is free and the lot is fairly large (around 40 cars or more). There are bathrooms at the trailhead and also near the campground, which is very convenient. We ended up hiking about 5 miles. It took us 2 hours and 30 minutes of moving time, and about 3 hours total including breaks and photo stops. I highly recommend this trail if you're looking for a scenic and relaxing hike.

    I really enjoyed this hike. It was very scenic and you can see the luscious greenery after the…read moreweeks of rain we got recently. In the middle of the hike there is a teepee where you can take a lunch or snack break. At the end you get to see a waterfall! I'd say the hike is easy/moderate with a couple sections of huge incline/steepness. Regular tennis shoes will do but hiking shoes would be even better as there some areas with many little rocks and pebbles.

    Photos
    Paradise Falls - Beautiful Teepee

    Beautiful Teepee

    Paradise Falls - Creek by little cave

    Creek by little cave

    Paradise Falls - Top view from Paradise falls

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    Top view from Paradise falls

    CoBa Arch

    CoBa Arch

    5.0(2 reviews)
    5.6 mi

    Hikes with cool endings are always my favorite. This one definitely doesn't disappoint. It took me…read moretwo visits to figure out how to get here since there's not a lot of info on this one. It's about a 5-mile roundtrip hike. There's some tall brush that you'll have to walk through at the end so you may want to wear pants and wear hiking shoes. There are a number of different trails that can take take you here. I started from the trailhead located at the end of Falling Star Ave in Thousand Oaks. The trailhead is a little hidden. It's located off to the right at the end of a cul-de-sac. Make your way along the curvy Hidden Meadow Trail. You'll reach a fork where you will need to make a sharp right continuing uphill on Sandstone Hill Trail. After a decent incline, take a left at the fork and continue to head in an uphill direction. The trail eventually dead-ends at a power line transmission tower. From there you will see the arch high up on the mountain. You'll then probably say to yourself, fogettaboutit! But it's actually not as hard as it appears. There's a small path marked by a cairn. You will need to power your way up the hill. The trail is well-marked but really overgrown with tall dry brush. When you get to the top head left. The trail will lead you to the backside of the arch. Be sure to spend some time reading the short messages and view the various trinkets left by behind by people. Relax in the cool shade. Climb on top of the arch and appreciate the views. I really liked the inspirational message someone wrote. "Hope you find your peace and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings...Push through the pokey brush and trust your instincts carving a path."

    This is a difficult hike but worth it for the views. Lots cool rock features and several caves near…read moreby with cliffs that overlook the surrounding cities.

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    CoBa Arch
    CoBa Arch - Trail leading to the arch

    Trail leading to the arch

    CoBa Arch

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    Calabasas Hidden Stairs - On map: Calabasas Connector Trail.

    Calabasas Hidden Stairs

    4.8(98 reviews)
    13.1 mi

    Hey everyone it's the light skin dragon coming to you live and directly from today's adventures! I…read morewas feeling depressed about not seeing or speaking to my daughter, my cars engine is broken and will cost me 5000, and not being able to go to class this week because of my situation! I told myself I will take the bus and come to see Mother Nature. While I was on my fast in January I booked marked these stair here so god spoke to me today and so I went. I needed to see the green, get fresh air and just get back into my own zone because of the funk I've been in. Being here help me think of good times I've been to stairs, or on a trails I've been on. People I've gone on hikes with or even loved ones for their first time. The views got me out of my own mind and really gave me clarity of where I should be and where I'm heading. God reveals all and have me see things which I appreciate the good and the bad. And it really shows me I need to be where I need to be. I am willing to take more adventures soon with the bus and just humbling myself as a post I posted on social media about me remaining with an open heart to see what life has to offer now. Light skin dragon blasting off looking for another place to calm my nerves, and remain at peace which this area honestly brought and it was hard to find taking the bus and walking haha

    Do not follow the google map navigation. You have to go towards Audi dealership. Go past the…read moredealership until you are at the end of the street. I couldn't walk for the next two days. Definitely a good workout stairs!!

    Photos
    Calabasas Hidden Stairs - Top

    Top

    Calabasas Hidden Stairs
    Calabasas Hidden Stairs - You can see the stairs up ahead. 10 or 15 mins hike from this point.

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    You can see the stairs up ahead. 10 or 15 mins hike from this point.

    Satwiwa to Tri Peaks - Danielson Monument

    Satwiwa to Tri Peaks

    4.9(14 reviews)
    5.7 mi

    My friend brought me to this hiking spot and I was so grateful, it was lovely. I love that Satwiwa…read morehas many different hiking paths so that you can try different routes each time. This also helps to breakup the flow of hikers as you get more privacy with more routes. Satwiwa is great for beginners and intermediate hikers. There are plenty of pathways with low incline and even walkways. But if your feeling more adventuresome there were paths a little more rocky and the farther you go we could see major inclines. This hiking area appeared both bike and dog friendly. Not a lot of doggies when we came today but a few. Didn't see many dog walkway trashcans but the routes were clean and picked up after. We saw a lot of cyclists. Thankfully the major pathways are big enough for you to walk safely to the side and for people to ride down the middle on their bikes. I felt safe as you could see miles ahead and the walkways were busy (not crowded) but I never felt isolated. So if you like a more private trail maybe not for you but it was comfortable and I still felt out in nature. Beautiful sights of the hills and flowers, fresh air, and loads of walkways to travel. So glad my friend helped me find this spot and I can't wait to add this area to my regular weekend walks.

    Amazing park for hiking, definitely worth the drive. Great…read moreviews, pathways are not difficult or dangerous, not many people (during the week) Will be returning soon and enjoying the outdoors.

    Photos
    Satwiwa to Tri Peaks
    Satwiwa to Tri Peaks - On top Of the Peaks.

    On top Of the Peaks.

    Satwiwa to Tri Peaks - Trail Map

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    Trail Map

    Tarantula Hill - hiking - Updated May 2026

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