Rabbit Ridge Adventure Hike to Simi Peak and China Flats - PARTY AT LAMPPOST
Details
DATE CHANGED TO SUNDAYThis hike, an HWD Original (copied by some, duplicated by none) dating back to early 2009, is a strenuous 8.5 to 9 miles with 1000 ft net elevation gain (2200 total). A combination of utility roads, maintained, unmaintained and disappearing trails will create a dual loop hike. We'll have our post-hike lunch at Lamppost Pizza
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We tried this one last January in the rain, but we had to cut it short. Check out the wet ones here: https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/25838042
We will start out surrounded by wild lilacs and through a large hidden meadow. Soon we will be hiking among the fanciful sandstone formations, caves and arches of the Rabbit Ridge Trail.
After a couple of miles we'll ascend to Simi Peak where on a clear day you can see the Simi Valley, Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, Oxnard Plains, Pacific Ocean, and a few of the Channel Islands, and take our snack break.
(Other groups have attempted this route to Simi Peak and lost their way)
Then its onward to a loop around China Flats, an open area with clusters of oak trees and a vernal pond. We'll also be hiking with Seamus McFly -- For all you Back to the Future fans, China Flats was the filming area for 1885 Hill Valley.
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Highlights include
Oak Park Arch
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Artifacts from bygone days
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China Flats Pond
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Simi Peak - highest point in Simi
Little Tri Peaks
Falcon's Roost
The One Tree
Hikers' Nest
Experienced hikers only. Bring your best lugsoles for this one.
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Directions to Trailhead
From Highway 101/Ventura Freeway in Westlake,
-Exit on Lindero Canyon Road.
-Drive 2.8 miles north on Lindero and turn left on Kanan Rd
-After 0.2 miles on Kanan turn right on Falling Star Ave.
-Drive 1.2 mi all the way around to the end of the street and park. Trailhead is in a residential neighborhood so please keep noise level to a minimum.
From 23/Simi/Sunset Hills/TO, etc
- Exit Avenida De Los Arboles and go east to Westlake Blvd. Turn right
- Turn left onto Kanan for 2 miles
- Turn left on Windy Mountain, then left on Grey Feather, then left on Falling Star