Sandstone Peak

"Completed a 6 peak loop of mostly LPC peaks near and including Sandstone Peak. Started at the Sandstone Peak trailhead and climbed Sandstone, Boney, Inspiration Point, Water Tank Hill, Exchange Peak, and Tri Peaks. This was a partial success, since I really wanted to include Pop Top and Big Dome, but couldn't find a clear route. I'm sure I could have found one if I really tried, but I was ready to cash myself in after doing my first hike of the year in actual heat. I also made a run at Balanced Rock, but the trail seemed to disappear in the forest after a long climb. I think I will try these three again on a future visit (on a cool day). The stats include all 6 peaks and the return mileage on the Mishe Mokwa Trail." — Peak-Conquistador • May 28, 2018

"The start of a long hot clockwise loop of all the minor peaks in this area. It was still nice and cool when I reached the top of Sandstone. In typical June fashion, the coast and ocean were fully fogged in." — edg • Jun 17, 2017

"We climbed up to Sandstone FIRST, then looped back around Mishe Mokwa to the Yerba Buena Rd. parking lot (i.e. looped clockwise). The way up to Sandstone is SUBSTANTIALLY HARDER this way than if the loop is taken counterclockwise. Also, beware of sand/loose rock/drainage canals that form on the trails in the Spring." — ctrain2018 • Apr 15, 2017

"My first time up in this part of the Santa Monica Mountains! So Beautiful! We took the Mishe Mokwa Trail from the sandstone Trail head and looped around. We went off trail and bush wacked to the top of Big Dome through Spanish bayonets and other pain in the ass shrubs but the views from the top were pretty cool. From there it was back to the loop where we connected to the backbone trail and went up to inspiration point. Then it was up to the top Of Sandstone Peak the highest point in all the Santa Monica Mountains. Very cool up there and awesome views. What a great place to come hike." — CaptainBadass • Oct 26, 2013

"Started up the Mishe Mokwa Trail, cut off the trail and bush wacked up to the top of Big Dome. From there we looped around hooking up on the backbone trail and making our way up to the top of Sandstone Peak. The weather was great, the views were tight. Hung out up there with my girlfriend and 2 good friends and had a great day." — 1-with-Nature • Oct 26, 2013

"Hiked the Mishe Mokwa Loop to Inspiration Point and then on to Sandstone Peak. It was super hot, even though in Malibu it was a balmy 79 degrees. Full trip report and photos: http://socalhiker.net/mishe-mokwa-trail-to-sandstone-peak/" — JeffHester • Sep 15, 2013

"On a beautiful day above the clouds some friends and I hit the Mishe Mokwa Trail up and around to Exchange peak, then Boney Peak, and finally Sandstone Peak. The hiking was quick and easy but wonderful. The views from the summits were hampered toward the ocean but it was really cool to see the cloud cover below us." — 1-with-Nature • Jun 2, 2013

"What better way to Celebrate John Muir's birthday AND the start of National Park Week then a 6 peak loop in the Santa Monica NRA! Tagged this first followed by the 5 other nearby LPC peaks." — Christopher • Apr 21, 2013

"7th peak of 7-peak traverse in Santa Monica's with 21 OC Hiking Club hikers. 0.9 mile hike from Boney Peak(2,825') w/400' loss and 685' gain on Backbone and peak trails (30 minute ascent). 1.7 mile descent w/1,050' loss on Backbone trail to Sandstone parking area #1." — BradStemm • Mar 23, 2013