|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]()
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 16 Submit your own review Error: Reserved Word Found: -- Beautiful scenery!!! 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||