All trip reports Trip Report Moderate to Strenuous

Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak Hike

The only thing more amazing and beautiful than the majestic beauty of the area was group of men that attended that day

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Malibu, CA

Moderate to Strenuous

Hosted by Menard

The trip report

Many consider this hike as 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, stunning giant sandstone formations, and breathtaking views from the top of Sandstone Peak and Inspiration point.

The only thing more amazing and beautiful than the majestic beauty of this area was group of men that attended that day.

We began our hike at 10:00 am after assembling in the parking lot and getting acquainted. The day started with some June Gloom but burned off by 11:00 am. We started the hike via the Mishe Mokwa trail.

Most of the southern parts of the trail are through chaparral, and very exposed. Soon, though, the vegetation starts to surround you with various brushes, trees yuccas, and fragrant California laurel and junipers.

Soon, we got our first sight of Balanced Rock, a large house-sized rock, balancing on a smaller boulder. How this rock has survived earthquakes is anyone’s guess. The large sandstone formation of Echo cliff also came into view. No view of rock climbers at this point. After a couple of miles, we descended to the bottom of the canyon, a cool spot under the shade of large oak trees. We took advantage of the shade and marveled at Split Rock, a rock split in three. We took turns walking through the rock. Legend has it that if you walk through the rock you will leave your evil spirits behind.

We soon came to a juncture that was too tempting to pass up – Tri-Peaks. Part of the group chose to go to Inspiration Point and would wait for the rest of us. The Tri-Peaks Trail was significantly more rugged and overgrown than the Mishe Mokwa Trail. The Peaks themselves are basically three large boulders, surveying everything in sight – from Thousand Oaks, Camarillo and beyond to the Channel Islands and Malibu. The visibility was not great so couldn’t see the ocean. After getting our fill of panoramic views, we joined the rest of the group at Inspiration Point for lunch amidst more panoramic views. Two park rangers were there and provided interesting history and information about the geology and flora there. At Inspiration Point, there is a small memorial to a Boy Scout, perched on an exposed ledge.

After lunch we proceeded to Sandstone Peak (3111 ft.), climbing shear rock face and undefined trail. We were rewarded with 360 degrees views of the entire area on top of the tallest peak of the Santa Monica Mountains. We signed the log at the top near a plaque dedicated to W. Herbert Allen. We lingered for quite awhile and marveled at the beauty of the mountain and surrounding area. The hike back to the parking lot was short but did not disappoint with more amazing views at every turn and a beautiful of view of Lake Sherwood.

Reactions

👍 ❤️ 🔥 😄 😮

About this event

Date: Saturday June 26, 2010

Time: 9:30AM
Length: 6 miles – 3 ½ hours
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Elevation gain: 1300 feet
Configuration: Loop
Exposure: Sun/Shade

Description

This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains and considered one of the best hikes in Southern California. 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, stunning giant sandstone formations, and breathtaking views from the top of Sandstone Peak and Inspiration point.

Who came along (0)

No sign-up roster was recorded for this event.

Comments

No comments yet.