Did You Know… ? Wildwood Park

Did you know… that many Hollywood movies were filmed at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks from the 1930s through the 1960s?

For over 40 years, Hollywood used the beauty of Wildwood Park as a backdrop for several movies including Spartacus, The Grapes of Wrath and Wuthering Heights and television series including Wagon Train, Bonanza, The Rifleman, and Gunsmoke.

Wildwood Park is rich in historic and archaeological resources, unusual geologic formations, and is home to a wide range of plant and animal life. Over 250 plant species, more than 60 species of birds, 37 species of mammals, and 22 species of reptiles can be found in the park. There are also 14 trails covering 17 miles and two year-round waterfalls called Paradise Falls.

Wildwood Park history

Prior to the 19th Century, The Chumash Tribe lived in this area for nearly 8,000 years! With the Spanish colonization of California, the land around the area became part of Rancho El Conejo. Most of the 20th century, cattle and sheep grazed on the rich grasslands prior to it becoming an open space.

Today, people of all ages frequent Wildwood Park for a variety of outdoor activities such as nature hikes, biking, horseback riding and summer day camps.

 Be sure to check out this beautiful Ventura County park soon!

Image credits: Steve Dibblee of Ventura Views and Conejo Recreation and Park District