Palo Comado to Simi Peak

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Palo Comado Canyon in the Simi hills near Agoura is a wildlife corridor between the Santa Monica and Santa Susana Mountains. This out and back hike heads up the undeveloped Palo Comado Canyon parallel to a stream bed and the adjacent meadows. For the etymology-curious, "Palo Comado" appears to be a derivative of the Spanish "palo quemado," meaning burnt post or stick. With the number of wildfires that sweep the area, the name makes a lot of sense.

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We'll climb out of the fire zone to China Flat, a high, oak-dotted, grassy 800 acre meadow with reddish brown sandstone outcroppings formed 60 to 80 million years ago. China Flat is part of Bob Hope's property acquired in the early 90s. A pond on the property attracts rare horned lizards, fox, bobcats, mountain lions, and California quail. The impressive, open landscape attracts western filmmakers. The meadow is the location for the McFly Farm in Back to the Future 3.

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But there's more! Crossing China Flat, we'll ascend Simi Peak, the highest peak in the Simi Hills which affords long views in all directions. After a break and appreciation of the views, we'll head back the way we came.

This is a 8.5 mile out and back hike with 1600 feet of gain. Much of the hike is exposed, so hat and sunscreen are recommended.

DIRECTIONS:

From Thousand Oaks, take the 101 Fwy east toward LA and exit at Kanan Rd. Turn left at the top of the ramp. Drive about 2 miles to Sunnycrest Dr and turn right. Continue about 3/4 of a mile and Sunnycrest Drive changes to Doubletree Rd. Look for the “Public Recreation Trail" sign on the right. Meet at the trailhead.

From the Valley, take the 101 Fwy west toward Thousand Oaks and exit at Kanan Rd. Turn right at the top of the ramp. Drive about 2 miles to Sunnycrest Dr and turn right. Continue about 3/4 of a mile and Sunnycrest Drive changes to Doubletree Rd. Look for the “Public Recreation Trail" sign on the right. Meet at the trailhead.

Note: The location on the map is a little west of the trailhead. The trailhead is between Oak Springs and Clear Haven on Doubletree.

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DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.