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Mishe Mokwa Trail - Sandstone Peak


Highlights:

One of the best hikes in SoCal. Sandstone cliffs, peaks, streams, views.
Near:Malibu, CA
Scenery:
Distance:6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1400 ft
Hike Time:3.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Loop


Summary: This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains. 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 where kids can dash between the sheer walls, stunning giant sandstone formations, and breathtaking views from the top of Sandstone Peak and Inspiration point. Highly recommended.
Trailhead: The trailhead is 1 mile east of the Circle X Ranch, which is located 5 ½ miles from Pacific Coast Highway on Yerba Buena Road in Malibu. Alternately, from Westlake Village, exit on Westlake Blvd from the 101 Freeway, and follow it south for several miles as it merges with Mulholland highway. Turn right onto Little Sycamore Canyon and it will become Yerba Buena Road as you cross the county line. Proceed on Yerba Buena Road for about 4 miles to trailhead (about a mike before you hit the Circle X Ranch Ranger Station). (Lat:34.11161 Lon:-118.92643)
Trail Guides for Mishe Mokwa Trail - Sandstone Peak:
101 Hikes in Southern California
by Jerry Schad  (Wilderness Press)

On The Trail - Malibu to Santa Barbara
by Cathy Philipp  (Cathy Philipp Publishing)

Day Hikers Guide to Southern California
by John McKinney  (Olympus Press)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers
Ranger Contact:  Santa Monica Rec. Area - 805-370-2301
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted  104 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 16   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Jon on 7/3/2009
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Reviewed by cb on 6/29/2009
Beautiful scenery!!!

Reviewed by Shawnté on 5/11/2009
What an amazing hike! My friend and I came on recommendation of ModernHiker.com, and we were not disappointed. Started at the Sandstone Peak trailhead, cut counter-clockwise around the Mishe Mokwa trail loop, totally worth the longer hike (slower elevation gain & amazing changes of scenery). We bouldered a bit on Split Rock, took lots of photos, laid on our bellies at Inspiration Point (too overcast to see terribly far, but it was still impressive), and scrambled up Mt. Allen. I would recommend bug spray for the giant horseflies this time of year, LOTS OF WATER as there is quite a bit of open area on the last 2 miles of the hike, and shoes with good tread, esp. as you start to ascend the rocky slope that takes you to the peak.

Reviewed by pa on 5/6/2009
One of the best hikes in the SM range. Hiked it on 5/2 for the second time in perfect weather. There is a bit of everything on this one. Cool canyons, a little shady oasis at Split Rock, and several views worth the climbs. Portions of this trail are great for running too. I will be back.

Reviewed by CB on 3/30/2009
This was my first time to this trail and I would definetly do it again. Amazing views and so quiet, that you can just lay back and get lost in your thoughts. The only thing was the drive, to many curves for my taste. But it's worth the drive.

Reviewed by DSO on 3/19/2009
Hiked this trail on 3.15.09. The clouds made for a nice cool counter clockwise loop hike up Mishe Mokwa trail. Started off kinda late around 9:15am. But WOW I've been waiting to do this hike in the spring and I was not dissapointed. The Hills are nice and green! I did a slight detour up to the tri peaks. What an awsome view from up there! Wildflowers are starting to sprout here and there, saw a bunch of rock climbers too. See recent images at: http://www.pbase.com/dsograph/mishe_mokwa_2009

Reviewed by Rowena on 2/17/2009
My friend Eddy and I hiked Mishe Mokwa to Sandstone Peak on a very wet and windy President's Day. We made it up to Inspiration Point (the highest peak of the Santa Monica Mtns. at 3111') despite the wind, rain, and occasional burst of hale. Signed the registry on top of the peak, although the views of the ocean were obstructed by mist and fog. This hike was rated "strenous" on the Circle X Ranch map, although there was not much elevation gain. Eddy joked that he could have hiked it with heels on and still look good! Fun hike especially during inclement weather! Not to be missed.

Reviewed by CourtneyKhambay on 1/20/2009
I love this trail... I continue to go every chance I get. Go early to beat the heat and the crowds though. The views are amazing, you can see the beautiful blue ocean too.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
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