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 Reporter |
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 15 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Dave on 8/6/2008 Did this one for the first time on 7/26/08. Next time I'd leave early to avoid heat and crowds! I liked this hike better then last weeks Magu Peak hike. No mosquitoes just flies. But the you can't beat the views! See images of current conditions at: http://www.pbase.com/dsograph/sandstone_peak_2008
Reviewed by Enoch on 7/21/2008 Beautiful, varied terrain, and only a short drive from the hussle and bussle of Los Angeles. Plenty of wildlife to be seen in the late afternoon. If you're going to be hiking this in the summer, I'd recommend not starting out at about midday, though, as for the majority of the hike, the air tends to be pretty still and shade is fleeting. The drive to the trailhead is beautiful as well, an added bonus.
Reviewed by JS on 7/15/2008 Lovely hike, but the heat and the twisty ride down Yerba Buena Road did me in, barf! The summit was very nice. Wonderful how you can turn a corner and seemingly be in an entirely new place (eco-system, terrain, whatever).
Reviewed by Brooke on 7/14/2008 This hike is beautiful! Great walks through open areas and covered ones too. Went on a Saturday and only came across 3 other couples hiking! Make sure you go up to "inspirational point"! Greatest views of malibu! At one spot, you can ascend to the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, 3111 ft.! Will definitely do this one again in the near future, just next time I will bring a small lunch to enjoy in the covered, picnic table area.
Reviewed by dcruzr on 7/1/2008 Excellent hike! Great views. The cool breeze helped cope with the heat(95 degrees)and the bugs. I look forward to doing this hike again in the spring. 
Reviewed by David on 5/15/2008 I have done this trail twice and I love it. The variety and quality of the views is yet to be matched by any other day hike I've done. It asks a lot - there are some steep stretches, including the final ascent, but it also gives a lot. I will be back again soon.
Reviewed by cyr on 5/10/2008 Although it was very foggy today, my mother and I really enjoyed this hike with all the wildflowers. Lots of buckwheat, deerweed, and yuccas in bloom; lots of birds. Very very lovely even without the views but we will have to return again for those. Took 3 hours without doing the sandstone spur and with stopping at split rock for 15 min. lunch. The 5 mile drive inland from PCH is very windy.
Reviewed by Nancy on 5/5/2008 Did this hike with my husband on May 3rd, 2008. The wildflower was fabulous. There were not too many people and the flower and the scenery was very entertaining. A nice hike definitely when the flowers are blooming! 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. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||