China Flat (Santa Monica Mountains)

China Flat is a plateau in the north−central Simi Hills, in Ventura County, Southern California.[1][2][3]

The plateau sits at a 2,000 feet (610 m) elevation and is situated just below Simi Peak, which is the highest point in the Simi Hills.[4]

Geography

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The plateau averages around 2,000 feet (610 m) in elevation. It features native oak woodlands and chaparral habitats, with large sandstone outcroppings.[5]

It is protected within Cheeseboro Canyon / Palo Comado Canyon Open Space park of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.[2] The area is located between the cities of Oak Park, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley.[2]

Trails reach China Flat from trailheads in the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, and via Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve (Ahmanson Ranch) from Calabasas and the San Fernando Valley.[2][5] The trail to the summit of Simi Peak (2403 ft.) passes through China Flat.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "China Flat". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d "OutdoorLA.org: China Flat and Simi Peak". Archived from the original on 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2013-02-19.
  3. ^ NPS: Map of Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyon park, with China Flat.
  4. ^ "Rigorous hike ends at ancient oak grove". 28 September 2017.
  5. ^ a b c Alltrails.com: China Flat Trail
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34°12′32″N 118°46′12″W / 34.209°N 118.770°W / 34.209; -118.770