Sandstone Peak
in the Santa Monica Mountains
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At 3,111 feet, Sandstone Peak is the tallest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. The summit can be reached via a moderate 6-mile loop that, in addition to bragging rights, offers expansive views of the range.
Head to Circle X Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, and start up the Backbone trail toward the peak. After a short distance, turn right and take the connection to the Mishe Mokwa Trail. This path runs parallel to Yerba Buena Road and offers great early views.
Looking out from the Mishe Mokwa Trail
The vistas will only improve once you turn left and hike up Mishe Mokwa. The trail passes a ravine with bold sandstone cliffs. These Echo Cliffs are a popular spot for mountain climbers, and you may see a few making the ascent. A balancing rock at the northwest end of these cliffs appears to be standing in defiance of gravity.
Just ahead on the trail is the Split Rock picnic area. After hiking the first two miles, this is a good spot for a break. The picnic area offers plenty of shade, which is otherwise elusive on this trail.
Balancing Rock
Beyond the picnic area, the trail climbs for more than a mile before joining the Backbone Trail. Hike past the side trail which turns off to the right toward Tri Peaks, and continue straight on the Backbone Trail. The next turnoff is for Inspiration Point, where a short path leads to vast views, making this a very worthy side venture.
Looking down on Yerba Buena Road
The lookout should “inspire” you to get back on the main trail and push on for the peak. The trail is never too steep, but provides a steady climb. The Backbone Trail passes just beneath the summit, where another short side trail must be taken to reach the top. Sign the registry and have a look around. You are 1100 feet above the trailhead at the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. Enjoy the views and remind yourself, “it’s all down hill from here.”
Almost…
Once you return to the Backbone Trail, it continues slightly uphill for a few hundred feet before making a steep descent to the parking lot.
No fee or permit is required, so get out and enjoy!
View the Circle X Ranch Map in a new window
To get to the trailhead: Take the PCH to the far west end of Malibu. Make a right on Yerba Buena Road (just past Neptune’s Net Restaurant) and drive up Yerba Buena for 5.5 miles to the Circle X Ranch ranger station. Continue past the ranger station (and the closest bathroom to the trailhead) up Yerba Buena Road another mile and turn left into the Sandstone Peak trailhead parking lot.
Use the map below to create your own directions to the grotto:
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Nearby Trails
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This 1-mile addition to the Sandstone Peak loop adds extra views to the hike (and some great views). |
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This 3-mile out and back visits a remote grotto in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area |
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More trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Explore beyond Circle X Ranch to other destinations in the range. |
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