Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains

Hours: 3 hours and half ( about 6.25-mile loop with 1,075 feet of elevation gain )

Difficulty: Moderate, the course is not difficult. But, it is because the length of the trail if you choose the longer loop.

Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash.

Bike: Not sure, but probably it is not good for bike.

Parking: There is a big parking space on the trailhead. I was there about 10:30 am, no spots. You can park off street parking down the trailhead. There is a restroom in the parking lot, so it is better to do your work before hike.

The trail start from the Sandstone peak trailhead, and the sign are very clear. After a third of a mile, turn right on the junction, taking the connection to Mishe Mokwa Trail. Continue on Mishe Mokwa Trail, soon you will see balancing rock at the northwest. I heard people talking nearby, and it was coming from people climbing the cliffs below balancing rock. Soon there is little bit of shading road follows until the picnic area. You can rest a bit in the picnic area which is very nice and can avoid sunshine for a while. Then go pass the area, and continue on Mishe Mokwa Trail, and turn left on the junction.

About an hour and little more from the start, you will see two rocky peaks on your right and from there is no shade with some steep road for a while. About 10 minutes, turn left on the junction and continue on Sandstone peak. About 0.6 mile, turn left on the junction. Soon, there is another junction with no sign, here turn left. If you go straight it will end up with one of the peak. Then you see the inspiration point (2800 ft). The view here is really great, and you want to take some picture there. Then there is another junction with no sign, and turn left here. About 2 hour and 10 minutes, arrived at the sandstone peak. There is a register and you can put your name on it.

 

Overall, this is a great hike, and the long walk is rewarded by a lot of great views. If you want to have short hike, you can take right turn on the first junction. This way is actually I go down after reaching sandstone peak.