Tarantula Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tarantula Hill |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,057 ft (322 m) |
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 Tarantula Hill
Location in California
Tarantula Hill
Location in the United States
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| Location | Thousand Oaks, California, U.S. |
Tarantula Hill, also known as Dawn’s Peak, is a cool spot in Thousand Oaks, California. It's a hill that stands about 1,057 feet (322 meters) tall. This hill is part of a big, open area that's about 45 acres (18 hectares) in size. It's looked after by an organization called the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA).
Tarantula Hill is located right in the middle of the Conejo Valley. It's a popular place for people to visit and enjoy nature.
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Exploring Tarantula Hill
Want to see some amazing sights? Tarantula Hill is a great place to go! It offers fantastic views and a fun trail to explore.
The Trail to the Top
Getting to the top of Tarantula Hill is a fun challenge. The trail is about 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) long and can be quite steep. You can find the start of the trail at 287 West Gainsborough Road. It's right across the street from the main entrance to the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden. Make sure to wear good shoes for this hike!
Amazing Views from the Peak
Once you reach the top of Tarantula Hill, you'll be rewarded with incredible views. You can see all around you, with a full 360-degree panoramic sight. Look out over the beautiful Conejo Valley, the Simi Hills, and the majestic Santa Monica Mountains. It's a perfect spot for taking photos or just enjoying the scenery. There's also a fenced-in water reservoir at the very top.
A Look Back: Tarantula Hill's Past
Tarantula Hill has an interesting history, from its ancient beginnings to its more recent uses.
From Volcano to Hill
Millions of years ago, Tarantula Hill was actually a volcano! It was a "volcanic mound," which means it was formed by lava and ash erupting from the Earth. But don't worry, it's been dormant for a very long time. The volcano stopped being active about 16 million years ago, turning into the peaceful hill we see today.
A Place for Adventure
In the past, Tarantula Hill was a popular spot for hang-gliding. Imagine people launching themselves from the top, soaring through the air like birds! It shows how this hill has always been a place for adventure and enjoying the outdoors.
