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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 2 of 21 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jason on 1/22/2012 So here we are in late January doing the Mishe Mokwa trail! Beautiful day, started sunny, then got cloudy halfway through. Advice: Venture off to Inspiration Point and TriPeaks along the way, they are quite brief excursions. If you like trail running, there are some points along Mishe Mokwa that our flat with some nice soft soil. The initial ascent is super tough though, even as a hiker, so take it slow and let the forefoot do the work. Anyway.. scenery? Gorgeous and green. I saw 4 species of flowers too! The clouds started to roll over the peaks and it was AMAZINGLY awesome. Def do this if you're decently in shape. If you're not super duper exercise-arrific, there is a shorter route that's only 1.5 m to the peak. Not that coo 
Reviewed by Joe D on 1/4/2012 Great hike today! Had been meaning to do it ever since February of '09 when I reached the trailhead and it began to rain. Hiked with my wife, friend and his 5 year old son. We had anticipated only doing half of it but the little guy wanted to do the whole thing. Beautiful scenery and mountain views. Make sure to do the little spurs at Inspiration Point and Sandstone Peak for some truly incredible views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. Especially from Sandstone peak (Tallest point in the Santa Monica Mountains) where you have a 360 degree view of everything. And in January everything is so green. Definitely the best time to go! Would definitely hike this again!
Reviewed by Shaun S on 12/10/2011 Now hiked up twice. Amazing hike! Get's your blood pumping which makes sandstone peak seem like an accomplishment. Good hike for someone trying to stay in shape or get in shape. Calves and thighs definitely get a nice workout. Dirt and a section of some pretty loose rocks so I suggest some ankle support but running shoes will suffice. Bring water. 12/10/11 wore shorts and a T. I love California!
Reviewed by Lisa R on 11/27/2011 Took a group of 8 yesterday. Great conditions. Definitely take the Mishe Mokwa Trail to the Backbone and then hit the two high peaks at the end. Previously went directly up to Sandstone Peak and it is unrelentingly uphill. The other route makes for a much more pleasant day. Took two novice hikers but generally fit people who handled it well. recommend a walking stick for downhill due to loose rocks on trails. Near split rock we saw a swarm of millions and millions of ladybugs - coating every surface (including the trail). Be sure to do the Insp. Point side trail, too!
Reviewed by MB on 7/30/2011 THis was a great hike, we hiked this trail over a year ago, this was our first hike 'ever' wouldnt recommend for first timers. But this had breath taking views I would hike again.
Reviewed by Sean S on 6/18/2011 Great hike! I didn't realize how far of a drive this was (I'm so used to Temescal being 10 minutes from my front door), but the drive is WELL worth it. It stayed overcast until we got to the top and then the clouds parted revealing a stunning view. I will definitely return here (and with a pen so I can sign the register!)
Reviewed by Deb on 4/28/2011 Has anyone taken Decker Road from Pacific Coast Hwy to get to the trail? I remember taking this route and need help getting there from Decker.
Reviewed by Steph K on 2/7/2011 I did this hike last Friday and it was beautiful. I haven’t been up in the area in quite a while because it is a long drive from my house and the last time I went it was in June. June was such a different experience, it was hot, dry, barren, and miserable. Last weekend it was lush, clear, and wonderful. I loved it, and I will be frequenting the area much more now that I see the difference the seasons make! This was a easy hike, great for anyone. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
