Simi Peak via China Flat
Overview
This is a difficult out and back trail to Simi Peak in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area which goes through China Flag.
Getting Started
Note this area burned in the Woolsey Canyon fire of 2018. Almost all the vegetation was burned and most plants destroyed. Although the trails have reopened there are still signs listing hazards. There are few places where rocks on the trail and near the bottom there is some sliding at the bottom and some attempts at remediation.
This hike starts in a residential neighborhood off Lindero Canyon Road. You can make the hike a little shorter by starting at the end of King James Court. There is plenty of street parking in the area. It is a consistent climb until you reach China Flat. On the way up it is a very rocky trail. China Flat was a beautiful oak forest but the fire devastated the area. Most of the oak trees still stand and by January of 2019 there was even some green on some of the oaks. How much will recover remains to be seen.
The hike crosses some park boundaries but it appears that dogs on a leash are okay, https://cosf.org/openspace/rules/, although it is not uncommon to see dogs off leash.
There are no facilities of any kind. The nearest access would be the shopping centers down the road on Lindero Canyon
Taking Children
Because of the steep climb this would b hard for young children. Also this area has quite a few mountain bikers which can present a hazard.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★