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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike takes you up a somewhat steep trail to the lovely China flat, an open area with clusters of oak trees. Perfect for a picnic lunch. Just a mile from China flat, you ascend to Simi Peak, with a commanding few of the surrounding communities. The hiking guide books suggest a variety of routes for this hike, with all of them being enjoyable. Trailhead: From Highway 101/Ventura Freeway in Westlake, exit on Lindero Canyon Road. Drive 4 miles north and park on Lindero Canyon Road by the China Flat Trailhead on the left. It is located between King James Court and Wembly Avenue. (Lat:34.192759 Lon:-118.775986) Trail Guides for China Flat and Simi Peak: Day Hikes in Ventura County California by Robert Stone (Day Hike Books) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) On The Trail - Malibu to Santa Barbara by Cathy Philipp (Cathy Philipp Publishing) Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses Ranger Contact: National Park Service - 818-597-9192 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Droidly on 3/14/2009 If you want to do China Flat/Simi Peak with a twist, try starting at Longs Canyon Trailhead in Simi. Follow the standard route up to the first ridge, then eventually make your way across the canyon to Albertson Fire Road. Climb to the backdoor of the Flat(if you mountain bike you probabaly know this route). From there you can cross the Flat at two different trails to reach Simi Peak. Return the same route or climb down the standard China Flat Trail to Oak Park. This is a fairly moderate hike which will take you about three hours to reach Oak Park or four to return to Longs Canyon.
Reviewed by Duncan on 12/30/2008 I've done this hike a few times (most recently today) and agree that dogs struggle with the summer heat. There is a longer, but less steep route if you take the Albertson Fire Road (a really broad road ideal for mountain bikers who like downhill skiing speeds on the way down, the entrance is on Lang Ranch Parkway near the Chumash Indian Museum. I tried this route in the summer with my black lab but after an hour he was flopping down in every bit of shade so we turned back. He was fine on an overcast day a week later. Today was perfect with outstanding views, my remaining concern is that he'll expect this every morning before I go to work. 
Reviewed by lexy on 12/29/2008 i hike this trail often as it is close to my home. would not recommend it on a warm day, the first half is VERY hot. however, on a clear, cool day it is a great trail tom get the heart moving and some FANTASTIC views at the top. my pup enjoys it too but NOT in the heat. if it is comfortable at the trailhead it will be TOO HOT on the trail for most dogs(even mine, who has short hair). bring water and enjoy!!!!
Reviewed by Judy on 12/12/2008 One of my favorite hikes. "Bruce" - I believe the "lake" you are referring to NW of Simi Peak is actually Bard Reservoir (or Wood Ranch Dam) building in 1965. I'm always surprised at the number of long time residents of Simi who don't even know it's there - but it encourages them to join me on my frequent hikes. Glad you enjoyed it.
Reviewed by Bruce on 6/7/2008 Warm today but very doable in the high seventies and low eighties. China flats is something to see, and you will appreciate the shade after the hike up. The side trip to Simi Peak is easy and provides a good view. What is the lake bearing NW from Simi Peak?
Reviewed by M.Jinsen on 3/30/2008 My boyfriend and I went on this hike yesterday and really enjoyed it. The weather was about 60 degrees with a cool breeze which was perfect since this trail lacks shady areas. The views are beautiful especially at points where you don’t see any housing development. Throughout the China Flat trail are wild flowers, greenery and interesting rock formations. I recommend wearing some good, comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support and ample tread. Steep in some areas, but makes for a great workout!! Fellow hikers that we passed were very friendly as well as the few mountain bikers. The only complaint I have are for the people that bring their dogs to clean up after them. Other than that, this is a great trail and we will definitely go aga
Reviewed by Droidly on 3/9/2008 My wife and I hiked this trail yesterday and it was beautiful! Because of our wet winter, the foliage is still green, so NOW is the time to go. I recommend this hike to all as it is one of the more interesting in our area. The trail is a bit challenging, but start early and bring plenty of water. Although the trails can be confusing as mentioned in an earlier post, print out an arial from google earth and you won't have any problems. The views from Simi Peak are spectacular and well worth the extra 2 miles from China Flats. There is now a logbook on the summit that is fun to read.
Reviewed by Wild Bill on 2/19/2008 This is a fantastic exercise hike. My entry point is Lang Ranch in Thousand Oaks. It's about 9 miles to Simi Peak and back. Below you will see my video of the hike to China Flat and the Simi Peak itself. Enjoy. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7036644750924118354&q=hiking+thousand+oaks&total=7&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=2 Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Ventura County Hiking, Ventura County Trails, Ventura County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
