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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 2 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Steve on 1/19/2008 Up hill all the way in, but worth the trip. Cool and shady oak glen along with old "ruins" of ranch at top is the reward. Continue up to the Simi Peak with great overlook of Conejo Valley. Also nice overlook into Simi Valley. Not a hike for small kids or anyone out of shape. 
Reviewed by Rebecca on 1/15/2008 Just did this lovely hike with my dogs on a hot January day. There's no shade or water to speak of on the way up, but it's still a great way to spend an afternoon. The scenery (even after the fire) is beautiful, and so are all of the neat rock outcroppings. Trails are poorly marked, so it's tough to tell where you're supposed to go - I got a bit disoriented on the way down, but just kept watching for the swimming pools I saw on the way up. (Next time I'll be bringing our GPS - it'd be nice to see how high we climbed.) We didn't make it out to Simi Peak today - it was too hot for my dogs - but we'll try it again on a cooler day. 
Reviewed by Samantha on 10/29/2007 Phew. My dogs and I hiked this on a late October morning. It was HOT. The views were absolutely gorgeous. However, the shale on the ground ripped their little paws apart, and we got turned around on the way down, and ended up walking 45 minutes the wrong way, and had to walk 45 minutes back to where we lost our trail. We ended up running out of water... It was GNARLY. I do recommend this hike, as it is so lovely. BUT: Bring TONS of water, and leave the pooches at home. Oh, don't forget a hat and some sunscreen. I'll try again in January or February when the heat won't be as much of a factor.
Reviewed by Johnny on 6/11/2007 We are from Chicago - the land of no hills - so we thoroughly enjoyed this hike this morning - 6/11/07!
Reviewed by Pete and Jamie on 5/19/2007 We hiked it today - took us five hours. We'd like to find another way in to China Flats. Although the contrast between the hike up and the rolling hills of China Flat was beautiful. The view from Simi Peak was great. We saw lots of lizards and a couple of marmots.
Reviewed by RPM on 3/18/2007 Still love this hike even post-fire. Was lucky enough to hike it first time spring '05 pre-fire with all the growth from extra wet season, and finally made it back 3-17-07. Definitely changed but still beautiful. As others have said the ascent is steep and hot, so hike early, lots of water, sunscreen. Once up to the China Flat area however it is so pretty with the trail taking you through open meadows and oaks. Little trials meander all over the area so be attentive to where you are going. On a clear day great views of western Simi Valley, including the reservoir, and from the Oak Park side out over the Santa Monicas. For recent photos and some from pre-fire, check out www.picturetheconejo.com, hikes, China Flat.
Reviewed by Claudia on 10/18/2006 A group of us hiked this trail last night. Didn't take in much of the hillside scenery, but the views were awesome, you could see the lights of SF Valley, Simi, Moorpark, TO, Agoura, Camarillo, Oxnard. I've done this hike in the day, it is hot and steep, however, the evening trip, while still steep, was pleasant. 
Reviewed by Rob on 7/9/2006 The ascent of this hike can be tough, especially on a hot day as it's a steep ascent with zero cover and no breeze, so a hat and plenty of water are necessitites. Make sure to bring a map, as the trail can become quite confusing, and they are not available at the trail head (I ended up in someone's backyard on my descent). A very fun, quick hike and a great workout. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||