China Flat (Santa Monica Mountains) facts for kids
China Flat is a special flat area of land, like a high table, located in the middle of the Simi Hills in Southern California. It's part of Ventura County. This plateau sits very high up, about 2,000 feet (610 meters) above sea level. It's found right below Simi Peak, which is the tallest point in the Simi Hills.
What Makes China Flat Special?
China Flat is a unique place because of its natural beauty. It's about 2,000 feet (610 meters) high on average. Here, you can find beautiful native oak trees that create shady forests. There are also areas of chaparral, which is a type of scrubland with tough, hardy plants. You'll also see big, interesting sandstone rocks sticking out of the ground.
This amazing area is protected inside the Cheeseboro Canyon / Palo Comado Canyon Open Space park. This park is part of the larger Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. China Flat is located between the cities of Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, and Simi Valley.
Exploring the Trails at China Flat
If you love hiking or exploring, China Flat is a great place to visit! There are many trails that lead to China Flat from different directions. You can start your adventure from places like the Conejo Valley or Simi Valley. Another way to get there is through the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, which is also known as Ahmanson Ranch. This trail starts near Calabasas and the San Fernando Valley.
One of the most exciting trails that goes through China Flat leads all the way to the top of Simi Peak. Simi Peak is the highest point in the Simi Hills, standing at 2,403 feet (732 meters) tall. So, if you're looking for an outdoor adventure with great views, China Flat is a perfect spot!
