About This Event
Since our Winter Holiday Potluck (https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/calendar/15486806/) hike isn't until Thursday 12/9 I thought another hike is needed to fill the gap -- perfect opportunity for an exploratory hike.
Undeveloped Palo Comado Canyon parallels a stream and meadows and is a critical part of the wildlife corridor that connects the Santa Susana Mountains with the Santa Monica Mountains. See picture on right
China Flat is a high, oak-dotted grassland meadow with sedimentary rock outcroppings. The flat is perched on the west side of Palo Comado Canyon beneath the shadows of Simi Peak, the highest peak in the Simi Hills. There is a vernal pond located there.
https://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/9/4/4/event_12434660.jpegOne of the many trails that criss-cross the Flat
The "book hike" from Palo Comado to China Flat is a 7-mile out and back hike with about 900 ft elevation gain. But when we reach the pond at China Flat we will throw away the book!
The last time I was there I found a hidden trail that may make this out and back hike into a loop hike returning us to lower Palo Comado along a creek. I was able to do only about 100 yards of the trail at that time due to time constraints.
https://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/2/6/6/event_16013862.jpegThe vernal pond at China flat. The exploratory part of our hike begins here.
Be prepared for some bushwhacking and not-so-aimless wandering: Wear long pants, etc. and bring a sense of adventure.
If it goes perfectly, the hike will end up shorter than the 7-mile book hike. Figure about 8-9 miles and 1200 ft gain if we cannot complete the loop after some milling and meandering and return the way we came.
Directions From 101 Fwy, take Kanan Rd exit. Turn North towards Oak Park 2 ¼ mi to Sunnycrest Dr and turn Right. Continue ¾ mi to where Sunnycrest Dr changes name to Doubltree Rd and park at curb at the 4th(?) "Public Open Space" sign.
