DAY 235: Simi Peak & China Flat

The summit of Simi Peak (Elevation 2,403 feet)

DAY 235: Simi Peak & China Flat

Date: Thursday July 7, 2011

Miles: 7.0

Elevation Gain: 1,450 Feet

Time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Steady uphill for 1+miles.  Dogs ok.  Kids, only if they have climbed before and it's not too hot!  

Reward: An Oak Tree Paradise and climbing the highest peak in the area!

Description: Push yourself up 1000 feet and then relax under the shade of the China Flat.  If you're up for it, climb another couple hundred feet to reach the peak.

Where: Oak Park, CA
Directions:From the 101 Freeway in Thousand Oaks, head south toward Los Angeles.  Just a couple exits up, exit on Lindero Canyon and turn left.  Drive about 4 miles and turn left on Wembly Ave.  Park immediately, walk back to Lindero and turn right.  The Trailhead will be on the right.  ***An alternate trailhead begins at the cul-de-sac on King James Ct.  This is the street before Wembly.  Although starting on King James will save you a few minutes, I refuse to step foot on a street named after a quitter basketball player.   Lebron, you are greatness but a true champion has a heart of a lion.  Good Luck finding your Yellow Brick Road...

usahiker.blog.com Day1: China Flat

Before there was calihike.blogspot.com there was usahiker.blog.com.  On the very first day of my hiking experiment, I began on this very same trail.  Due to time constraints due to an early sundown in November, Day 1 only lasted 3 miles.  Today I completed the mission:

 Trailhead (elevation ~1200 feet)

 Map

On Day 1, I took the side trail to the left once I reached the top.  Thus, Day 1 & Day 235 are different hikes.  In fact, I suspect there is a "Secret Way" to reach the peak.  I think I was on to something on Day 1.  Can anyone confirm this?

 Find your way to the top

 There is a face in this rock.  I swear that the ancient Chumash are spying on me

 On top, follow the main trail to the flat

 China Flat below

 An Oak Tree Paradise; this place is special

 To reach the peak, make a horseshoe U-turn to the left

 Simi Peak rises above to the left

You will reach a T-Junction at the end of the flat.  For some reason, I turned left?  I followed that a ways and nearly met up with where Albertson Road intersected the trail.  I was just out here the other day so I felt like I needed to connect the dots.  This added about 100 feet and 1 mile round trip to my totals.  I turned back and crossed to the other side of the junction.  The trail was overgrown and then lowered.  It felt wrong but before you know it, the downhill becomes a slow uphill through the thick.  It will eventually open up and reaching the top is very easy.

 Wood Ranch Reservoir (from the peak)

Albertson Fire Road travels up the first ridge from Lang Ranch Parkway.  Behind this road is the Autumn Ridge Trail (Day 51) .  It's pretty cool how all my hikes eventually link together! 

 Seal Treasure

Seal Treasures Game #4422.  What is the year listed on this plate?  To join the Seal Treasure game, please visit: SEALtheBeach.com  or Sealtreasures.blogspot.com

 Oak Park 1200 feet below

Albertson Rd & Simi Valley in the distance

The weather was a bit muggy, but the haze shielded the direct sunlight.  Unlike the past few days, today's weather in the Conejo Valley was tolerable for hiking.  The main downfall to this hike is that there is no running water.  It's always nice to trek along a stream.  You would think with the shaded Oak Flat there would be a water source.  Hmm, maybe there is on the far side.  I guess I'll have to take another trip up here.  Don't forget to sign in to the log book at the peak.  Ok, turn around and go home.  I jogged the entire way back; watch your step on the steep rocky hill...