The Indian Cave in Wildwood

Author: Denise Agapoff
Field Trip - Teacher's Guide
SED 695B; Fall 2005

Click here for mapquest directions

Paradise Falls in the park
 

Topics addressed

  • Types of rocks
  • Rock formations
  • Southern California foliage & fauna
  • Chumash indians

 

Description of Field Trip

This moderate hike is approximately one mile from the parking lot to the indian cave. Wildwood is a 1700 acre park. Wildwood hosts hundreds of plant and tree species, a large grass mesa, wildflowers and rolling hills. The entire park is overlooked by a volcanic outcropping rarely seen in Southern California. In addition, it is one of the few places a visitor can explore a cave lived in by the Chumash Indians. Conglomerate, other rocks and erosion can be viewed. Ancient oak trees and other native tree and plants are along the trail as well as a natural spring.

Standards

  • 6th grade - Shaping Earth Surface
  • High School - Earth Science

 
 

Study Guide:

1. Sketch the two most common trees you see along the trail.
2. Sketch and identify any flowering plants seen along the trail.
3. Why is it so important to stay on the trail.
4. Before the stairs were put in, how did the native americans access the cave?
5. Sketch the cave area as if you were viewing it from the top.
6. What are some advantages to having two openings in the cave?


Along the trail:

Parking lot on W. Avenida de Los Arboles

 

Trail head on Avenida de Los Arboles
Oaks along the trail

Creek leading to Paradise Falls

One of two creek crossing

Wild celery

Indian cave viewed from the trail
South view of the cave

Interesting rock layers inside the indian cave

Top opening of the cave
Plants are well labeled along the trail
Ancient oaks trees along the trails
   

References & Links: