Challenger Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Challenger Park |
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Looking south with the Simi Hills in the far-back
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| Type | Open-space park |
| Location | Simi Valley, CA |
| Area | 141.550 acres (57.283 ha) |
| Status | Open |
Challenger Park is a large, 141.55-acre (57.28 ha) open-space park. It is located in the southern part of Simi Valley, California, within the Simi Hills. The local Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District takes care of the park.
Challenger Park is a great place for outdoor activities. You can go mountain hiking, biking, jogging, or horseback riding here. The park also works hard to protect local wildlife and their homes.
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Exploring Challenger Park
The trails in Challenger Park are surrounded by beautiful nature. You'll see many oak trees and different kinds of shrubs. These include chaparral and coastal sage scrub. The land changes a lot, with gentle rolling green hills and some steep mountains and canyons.
What Can You Do There?
The park has many miles of trails. These trails connect to other open-space areas nearby. You can reach places like Long Canyon, Oak Canyon, and Lone Oak Canyon. There's even an easy hike to Thousand Oaks, CA using the Long Canyon trails.
To get to Oak Canyon, Old Windmill Park, and Coyote Hills Park, you need to cross Long Canyon Road. There are fences along the road with dirt paths for walkers. You'll find special buttons at traffic lights for hikers and horseback riders to cross safely. Next to Challenger Park is also Bridle Trails. This is a private area for hiking.
Amazing Nature and Wildlife
From Challenger Park, you can enjoy amazing views of Simi Valley. The park is home to many different animals. You might spot mule deer, coyotes, and even bobcats. There are also many birds of prey, like red-tailed hawks and barn owls. Keep an eye out for California king-snakes too!
How to Get There
There are two main ways to reach Challenger Park.
If you are coming from California State Route 118:
- Take the First Street exit in Simi Valley.
- If you are coming from the west, turn right. If from the east, turn left.
- Drive for about 2.8 miles.
- Turn left into the Challenger Park parking lot. It's just after the Stonebrook intersection.
If you are coming from California State Route 23:
- Take the Olsen Road exit in Thousand Oaks, CA.
- Go northeast for almost 2 miles to Wood Ranch Parkway.
- Turn right onto Wood Ranch and drive about two miles.
- You will reach the junction with Long Canyon Road.
- Turn left onto Long Canyon Road and follow it for 1.7 miles.
- Challenger Park will be on your right side. It's just before Long Canyon Road becomes First Street in South Simi Valley.
The park's address is 105 Challenger Park Road, Simi Valley, CA 93065.
