Sandstone Peak, the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains at 3,111 feet, is a popular quest for hikers of all conditions. A roundtrip of the Backbone Trail is easily achieved, but yields impressive views of the coast, and on clear days of Angeles National Forest and Los Padres National Forest. The Mishe Mokwa trail adds a longer loop to Tri Peaks for those with a bit more time and ambition. It is a rite of passage to Southern California hikers, and many fall in love with the beauty that surrounds this place.

Basic Info:

• 3 miles roundtrip via Backbone to peak
• 7 miles roundtrip on Mishe Mokwa Trail
• Mountain bikers welcome
• Highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains (3,111 feet), with incredible views of the Channel Islands, and beyond

I have to hand it to the Santa Monica Mountains Rangers, because they do a great job, and that goes without saying. They have a well tended web presence on Facebook, Twitter, and their website. Be sure to check that out before going on a hike.

Sandstone Peak at EveryTrail

There are two approaches to get to Sandstone Peak: from the San Fernando Valley, you’ll take 101 north to 23 south. 23 is a beautiful road a personal favorite. It is windy, narrow and steep in many places-and a pleasure to drive. If you’re traveling from the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll take Yerba Buena Road near a great restaurant, Neptune’s Net, which is a nice place to stop after working up an appetite hiking. The trailhead is not immediately apparent off of 23; there is a dirt road that slopes uphill into a parking lot. Be sure to check the map, because it’s easy to miss.

I have heard many stories of hikers becoming enamored with this place, and I must say, it always makes a lasting impression. My advice is: if you haven’t hiked Sandstone Peak, you need to do it as soon as possible. Although this is a popular trail, traveling to the trailhead feels like you’re really leaving civilization, even though Malibu is only a handful of miles away.

We started late in the afternoon on a clear day in November; we had cool temperatures and the fresh smell of coastal sage scrub from a recent rain. Leaving the parking lot, we started up the Backbone Trail, a left turn about .3 miles in. Take a right and you’ll begin a 7 mile loop of the Mishe Mokwa Trail. The trail is very well maintained, a dusty and rocky slope that meanders up the peak. Upon reaching the top, you’ll see the Mt. Allen plaque, named after the man who donated the mountain to the Boy Scouts of America. Sign the registry, take in the view, and head on down.