At 3,111 feet, Sandstone Peak is the tallest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. The summit can be reached via a 6.25-mile loop with 1,075 feet of elevation gain 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 Sandstone Peak. After a third of a mile, turn right, taking the connection to 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 wide rock and dirt track passes a ravine with bold sandstone cliffs. These Echo Cliffs are a popular spot for mountain climbers, and you may spot a few making their ascent. A balancing rock at the northwest end of these cliffs appears to be standing in defiance of gravity.

Just ahead on the trail, enters a riparian forest and crosses a stream to arrive at Split Rock Picnic Area. After hiking nearly two miles, this is a good spot for a break. The picnic area offers plenty of shade, which is otherwise elusive on this hike.

Balancing Rock

Past the picnic area, the trail climbs for nearly a mile and a half to join the Backbone Trail, 3 1/3 miles from the start. Turn left to continue on the loop, or make a right turn on the spur trail out to Tri Peaks, which adds 1.2 miles to the hike along with fine views to the west. To reach Sandstone Peak, continue on the Backbone Trail, which curves southward and then east. The next turnoff is for Inspiration Point, where a short path leads to vast views, making for a very worthy side venture.

Looking down on Yerba Buena Road

The lookout should “inspire” you to get back on the trail and push on for the peak, one mile away. While never too steep, the Backbone Trail provides a steady climb. It passes just beneath the summit, where a short side trail must be taken to reach the top. Sign the registry and have a look around. You are 1,075 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!

To get to the trailhead: Take 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:

Photos

 

                                         

These photos were taken in March of 2007. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Tri Peaks This 1.2-mile addition to the Sandstone Peak loop adds extra views to the hike (and some great views).
	The Grotto This 3-mile out and back visits a remote grotto in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
	La Jolla Canyon Loop This 11.75-mile hike explores Point Mugu State Park on the west end of the Santa Monica Mountains, offering extraordinary ocean views.
	Mugu Peak This 6.5-mile hike ascends from the bottom of La Jolla Canyon to the top of a 1,266-foot peak, providing exceptional ocean and canyon views.
	More trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Explore beyond Circle X Ranch to other destinations in the range.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Mount Lee, the Hollywood Sign, and Cahuenga Peak This 6.4-mile hike crosses Griffith Park from Canyon Drive to the top of Mount Lee, directly behind the landmark Hollywood Sign.
	Mount Baldy Loop This 11.3-mile hike incorporates Devil’s Backbone and Baldy Bowl – Ski Hit Trail into one see-all loop.
	Stunt High Trail to Saddle Peak This 8.2-mile hike combines Stunt High Trail and a section of the Backbone Trail to visit the 6th tallest summit in the Santa Monica Mountains.
	Parker Mesa Overlook This steep out-and-back hike rewards the effort with excellent views of the Pacific Ocean.
	Calabasas Peak This 3.6-mile hike travels an easy-to-follow fire road, climbing 1000 feet to panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains and San Fernando Valley.

 

More Info

 

Sandstone Peak on modernhiker.com

Sandstone Peak on socalhikes.com

Sandstone Peak on nobodyhikesinla.com

Sandstone Peak on my-favorite-hikes.com

Sandstone Peak on daykations.wordpress.com

Sandstone Peak on hikesyoucando.com

The official Santa Monica Mountains webpage for Circle X Ranch