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Top 5 Outdoor Wellness Activities in Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Conejo Valley

Loving the outdoors comes naturally in Conejo Valley. With beautiful weather most days and peaceful spots to wander in Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills, it’s especially rewarding to go, relax and recharge year-round. For your mental, physical and spiritual wellness, check out our list of the top ways to get out and get well in Conejo Valley.

HIKING TRAILS IN THOUSAND OAKS AND AGOURA HILLS

Rich with wide-open meadows and great views at the halfway point, Sapwi Loop Trail is excellent for beginners. It’s in Thousand Oaks and is only 1.4 miles roundtrip. It’s popular for hiking, mountain biking and running, so head out during quieter hours for more solitude.

Sapwi Loop Trail

Sapwi Loop Trail – taken by @themalibuhiker

Opt for a more challenging route with Boney Mountain Peak, one of the highest peaks in the Santa Monica Mountains, located near Newbury Park. Enjoy a 8.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail that will provide unbeatable views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, and Mount Baldy, while pumping some stress-busting endorphins. You might even see a waterfall.

Grand valley vistas and red sandstone rock formations dot the China Flat Trail Loop. Near Oak Park, it’s a 3.7-mile loop trail with a moderate difficulty and is great for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. Dogs are welcome, but they need to be on a leash.

Our Pick: For a trail with stunning views, take Cistern Trail to Lookout Trail. It starts and ends in Agoura Hills at only 1.3. miles out and back with a moderate difficulty. You’ll get views of Malibou Lake and surrounding areas, but you’ll have to leave your dog at home as they’re not allowed on this one. It’s a popular hiking trail, but you can still enjoy solitude if you go early enough in the day.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Conejo Valley has a definite love for horses, and it shows. Rancho Potrero Community Equestrian Center is a prime example of that. It has the advantage of being right next to Rancho Sierra Vista National Park in the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, which gives them easy access to some gorgeous trails.

In addition to lessons and summer camps, they offer hourly rides for groups of up to five people ages seven years and up. You can schedule trail rides on Fridays at 4 PM and 5:30 PM and Saturdays and Sundays at 9 AM and 10:30 AM.

General horseback riding in Conejo Valley

General horseback riding in Conejo Valley

You should also head to Malibu Riders at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills to experience their breathtaking trails. Their ride offers a guided one-hour trip on a 3-mile loop with beautiful forest views. Additionally, they host a Malibu Creek ride through 20th Century Fox Ranch, featuring the filming locations of shows and movies like M*A*S*H, Planet of the Apes and Daniel Boone.

Our Pick: All options will give you a great ride – but the views at Paramount Ranch will take you to other times and worlds like that of Westworld.

YOGA ON THE MOUNTAIN

Find your center with Yoga on the Mountain at King Gillette Ranch, amid the peacefulness of the Santa Monica Mountains and live acoustic music. Free events are offered monthly for all skill levels, with free parking. However, be sure to BYOM – bring your own mat. View all events organized by the Santa Monica Mountains Fund here.

GORGEOUS GARDENS

Expansive yet peaceful, the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in Thousand Oaks is best enjoyed at a relaxed, leisurely pace. There are nine different areas in the garden, so you’ll need plenty of time to wander and find your favorite spot.

You’re welcome to picnic, rest or even meditate anywhere on the grounds. They also do tours where you can learn about the interaction between humans and nature and the various plants there.

What you might first notice about Gardens of the World is the striking beauty of the water fountains cascading above the flowers and greenery at the entrance. However, there’s more than meets the eye – this Thousand Oaks mainstay was the brainchild of Pleasant Holidays founders Ed and Lynn Hogan, built to commemorate the excitement and diversity of the world’s cultures.

Travel the globe by garden as you stroll through the calm of the Japanese Garden, the explosion of color of the English Perennial and Rose Garden and the classic romance of the Italian Garden.

Gardens of the World

Gardens of the World

Our Pick: Catch your breath in the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden. There’s even a Kids’ Adventure Garden event Sundays 11 AM to 3 PM where your little ones can explore and learn more about nature and gardening amid the whimsical tree house, pirate’s cave, and other kid-friendly highlights.

UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARM IN MOORPARK

For a truly grounding experience, try digging around and getting your hands in the soil at Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark. It’s an authentic farm experience everyone can get into, even young ones. You can pick your own fruits and vegetables straight from the soil and shop in the farmers’ market for the freshest produce, pickled veggies, honey, nuts, juices, farm-fresh eggs and fresh-cut flowers.

They also offer educational farm tours and have a farm animal center with displays, pony rides, activities and games. They also have a Springtime Easter Festival and a Fall Harvest Festival with even more seasonal activities. Children under two are free; seniors, military, veterans and first responders receive a discount. Take advantage of their tractor-drawn wagon rides and animal shows on the weekend.

Our Pick: Fresh produce straight from the soil is just about as good as it gets in our book. We’re all in whether we pick our own or grab it from their market. Be sure to stop by during their seasonal festivals to get in on all the fun.

REFRESH AND RELAX IN CONEJO VALLEY

Putting effort into wellness brings rewards like no other, especially in Conejo Valley. Be sure to check out our complete list of hotels, attractions and travel tips to make your stay as peaceful as possible.

Paramount Ranch

Paramount Ranch – taken by @themalibuhiker


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