○ TIER 1 — SOURCED & RESEARCHED
6.2 miRound Trip
1,300 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
3-5 hoursEst. Time
3,111 ftHighest Point
LoopRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit

Sandstone Peak via Mishe Mokwa Loop

🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
✅
Good Conditions — Solid Day to Hike
67°F, Clear Sky. Wind 3 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
🌙
67°
Clear Sky
Feels 68°F
💨 Wind
3 mph NNW
Gusts to 7 mph
💧 Humidity
85%
High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
1%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:45 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
6:48 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
11 pm
🌙
68°
Feels 68°
💨 2/4
5-Day Forecast
🌙
Today
Clear Sky
68°F
feels 68°
💨 Wind/Gust
2/4 E
💧 Humidity
79% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
1% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Sat, Sep 26
Clear Sky
65°F
feels 65°
💨 Wind/Gust
4/9 SE
💧 Humidity
86% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
4.1 mi — Reduced — marine layer possible
☁️ Clouds
7% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
☁️
Sun, Sep 27
Overcast Clouds
66°F
feels 66°
💨 Wind/Gust
2/6 E
💧 Humidity
77% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
3.1 mi — Reduced — marine layer possible
☁️ Clouds
99% Overcast
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
🌙
Mon, Sep 28
Clear Sky
63°F
feels 63°
💨 Wind/Gust
0/2 NNE
💧 Humidity
90% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡 Warm & Humid — Extra Water
🌙
Tue, Sep 29
Clear Sky
66°F
feels 64°
💨 Wind/Gust
3/8 E
💧 Humidity
30% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out. Sep 25, 8:12 pm

The crown jewel of the Santa Monica Mountains. This loop circles volcanic backcountry through red-walled canyons and massive sandstone pillars before climbing to the highest point in the range with ocean and Channel Islands views.

Trail Overview

Sandstone Peak is the best hike in the Santa Monica Mountains. The volcanic geology at Circle X Ranch looks nothing like what people expect from SoCal hiking — red and orange rock formations, massive boulders, and canyon terrain that feels genuinely remote despite being 45 minutes from LA. The loop direction matters: go counterclockwise to hit the canyon on the way out. Spring wildflowers are exceptional. Bring a wind layer — the summit is exposed and the marine layer can make the top cold.

This Hike Is For You If…

All intermediate hikers. Excellent dog trail with good shade in the canyon section. First-time Santa Monica Mountains visitors. Anyone who wants the best view in the range.

Skip This Hike If…

Skip in summer after 9am. The summit and ridge section are fully exposed.

What to Expect on Trail

Terrain: Rocky canyon singletrack with some scrambling near summit approach. Good trail throughout.

Shade: Partial

Water: None — Carry All Water. No water on trail. Carry 2 liters minimum.

Views: Outstanding

Crowds: Very popular spring destination. Weekdays dramatically less crowded.

Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.

Best Arrival: Before 9am on weekends. Spring is peak season and the lot fills completely.

This is a Tier 1 sourced review. Trail information is based on published sources and research. Andrew has not personally hiked this trail yet. Photos and firsthand sensory detail will be added when upgraded to Tier 2.

👞

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6.2 miRound Trip
1300 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
3-5 hoursEst. Time
3111 ftHighest Point
LoopRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit

Trailhead & Logistics

Address: Circle X Ranch Trailhead, Yerba Buena Road, Malibu, CA 90265
Parking: NPS lot at Circle X Ranch. $5 per vehicle. Fills on spring weekends. Arrive before 9am.
Bathroom: Pit Toilet
Cell Service: None
Best Arrival: Before 9am on weekends. Spring is peak season and the lot fills completely.

Trail Reality Check

Sandstone Peak is the best hike in the Santa Monica Mountains. The volcanic geology at Circle X Ranch looks nothing like what people expect from SoCal hiking — red and orange rock formations, massive boulders, and canyon terrain that feels genuinely remote despite being 45 minutes from LA. The loop direction matters: go counterclockwise to hit the canyon on the way out. Spring wildflowers are exceptional. Bring a wind layer — the summit is exposed and the marine layer can make the top cold.

Terrain: Rocky canyon singletrack with some scrambling near summit approach. Good trail throughout.
Shade: Partial
Water: None — Carry All Water — No water on trail. Carry 2 liters minimum.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Busy — Very popular spring destination. Weekdays dramatically less crowded.
Who should do this: All intermediate hikers. Excellent dog trail with good shade in the canyon section. First-time Santa Monica Mountains visitors. Anyone who wants the best view in the range.
Who should skip this: Skip in summer after 9am. The summit and ridge section are fully exposed.