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Sandstone Peak Trailhead: Gateway to the Highest Point in the Santa Monica Mountains

Hike to the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains for panoramic views and a taste of Southern California's natural beauty.

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Sandstone Peak Trailhead provides access to the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains, offering panoramic views and a variety of hiking experiences. The trails wind through chaparral forests and past unique rock formations, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Sandstone Peak Trailhead Parking

  • 12860-, 12896 Yerba Buena Rd, Malibu, CA, 90265, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Bring plenty of water, especially on warm days, as the trails can be strenuous and the area is exposed.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction due to rocky and steep sections on the trails.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions; layers are recommended.
  • Start your hike early to avoid crowds and the heat of the day.
  • Check the National Park Service website for trail conditions and fire safety updates before you go.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, turn inland onto Yerba Buena Road, near Neptune's Net restaurant. Drive approximately 6.5 miles up Yerba Buena Road to the Sandstone Peak Trailhead parking lot on the left. Parking is free. From the 101 Freeway, exit onto Westlake Boulevard and follow it south as it merges with Mulholland Highway. Turn right onto Little Sycamore Canyon, which becomes Yerba Buena Road. Continue for about 4 miles to the trailhead.

  • Public Transport

    Public transportation to the trailhead is limited. The best option is to take public transport to a location on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and then use a ride-sharing service to reach the trailhead. A ride-sharing service from PCH to the trailhead will cost approximately $20-$30.

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Discover more about Sandstone Peak Trailhead Parking

Sandstone Peak Trailhead, located in the Circle X Ranch area of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, serves as the starting point for hikes to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the range at 3,111 feet. This area, once a Boy Scout camp, now offers a diverse landscape of chaparral, rocky outcrops, and stunning views. The trailhead provides access to several trails, including the Mishe Mokwa Trail and the Backbone Trail, allowing hikers to create loops of varying lengths and difficulties. The Mishe Mokwa Trail offers views of Balance Rock and Echo Cliffs, while the Backbone Trail leads to Inspiration Point, a memorial offering ocean vistas. The trails pass through diverse environments, from forests of coastal chaparral to riparian landscapes, with interesting sandstone formations along the way. Sandstone Peak Trailhead is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, Conejo Valley, and San Fernando Valley. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including lizards, scrub jays, gray foxes and bats.

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