Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak (rescheduled)

Date: Saturday, March 31, 2012
Time: 9:30AM
Length: 7 miles – 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Elevation gain:  1300 feet
Configuration:  Loop
Exposure:  Sun/Shade

Description:  This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains and considered one of the best hikes in Southern California.  Highlights include the spectacular Echo Cliffs where rock climbers ascend shear cliffs, a house sized boulder delicately balanced on a small rock beneath, a giant split rock, stunning giant sandstone formations, and breathtaking views from the top of Sandstone Peak and Inspiration point.  Sandstone Peak is the tallest in the Santa Monica Mountains at 3111 feet.

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Trailhead/Directions:

From 101 Fwy to trailhead is about 35 minutes.  Please plan your commute accordingly

1.    Take the Westlake BL/CA 23 exit                                                                                          

2.    Turn left at S Westlake BL/CA 23  5.4 mi
As you approach the intersection of Westlake BL and Portrero Rd, stay left. 
At Westlake BL and Carlisle, stay left and continue on Westlake Bl/ CA23         

3.    At the Mulholland West/East split stay right on Mulholland West

4.    Continue on CA-23/Mulholland Hwy  2.1 mi                   

5.    Turn right at Little Sycamore Canyon Rd 1.9 mi
Do not turn left onto Decker Rd!!  We will post a sign with “GO” on it at this juncture.

6.    Little Sycamore Canyon Rd becomes Yerba Buena Rd, continue for 2.7 mi.

If you have a navigation system, here are the coordinates:

+34° 6' 41.82", -118° 55' 35.34"      

As you are traveling on Yerba Buena Rd, you will pass a parking area that has a parking lot on each side of the road.  This is the trailhead to the Mishe Mokwa trail. The next parking lot is on the right and is the Sandstone Peak/Backbone Trail parking lot. This is the parking lot where we will start our hike. If you reach the Circle X Ranger station you have gone to far. 

From PCH North, Hwy 1

Northbound on Hwy 1, turn right on Yerba Buena and go about 6 miles. Go past the Circle X Ranger Station.  Parking lot is on the left.  Look for the Sandstone Peak sign.

What to Bring: Good hiking boots/shoes.  A hiking/trekking pole may be useful for the occasional step ascent/descent on the trail, but not necessary.  Pack a lunch, snacks and bring plenty of water.  Bring a hat/cap and sunscreen.  Rain cancels but threat of rain does not.