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The parking lot and trailhead are available off of Yerba Buena road, about
six miles north of Pacific Coast Highway (about a mile past the Circle X park
headquarters). The peaks visible are the destination.
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The trailhead. There are several options quickly available. The Backbone
Trail heads directly to the peak, while the Mishe Mokwa trail loops around
to the north. We chose Mishe Mokwa, as it promised more interesting views.
We were not disappointed.
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Springtime is an excellent time to hike in Los Angeles, because everything
is green and growing. This is also wildflower season, which I have somehow
missed each of the past four years that I have been in town. These blue
flowers (ceanothus?) were abundant on the trail.
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A rocky side trail branched off of the east side of the Mishe Mokwa loop.
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The side trail led to a small waterfall, slick with black algae.
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Since most people must work during the weekdays, we did not have to share
the trail with very many other creatures.
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Someday this rock is going to fall, so I had better preserve this for the
sake of future generations.
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Several picnic tables are set up on the north side of the loop, near a
strangely split rock. This peacefully gurgling stream guarded the
western approach to the picnic area.
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Much of the trail was shady and tree-filled. As we approached the western
and southern edge of the loop, the trees thinned.
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Inspiration Point is near the peak, and offers a good view of the surroundings.
Note my boot, for scale. Far below, one can see the Circle X park
headquarters and Yerba Buena road. The ocean waits out there, too.
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Here I am, on top of the mountain.
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The peak offered many excellent vistas. Southwest, the 101 reaches out to
Ventura, and the city of Thousand Oaks bustles.
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Yerba Buena Road starts very near Leo Carrillo beach. Friday was quite
windy, which makes for great
kitesurfing weather.
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There were some windsurfers out as well.
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Another view of a kitesurfer. This looks like a lot of fun.
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Comments
Jeff,
You came up on a google search for Sandstone Peak (#2) and I am quite pleased you did. I really enjoyed seeing the pictures of your hike. I plan to get there one day soon. Tomorrow I am heading to Leo Carrillo Beach to enjoy the sunshine. Thnaks for the snap shots into Southern California life (I'm a transplant from the Chicago area, been out here 1 year)!
Later,
Dave
Posted by: Dave | July 6, 2003 12:34 AM
another googleite that enjoyed the photos. there's a short write up in the most recent los angeles mag. going for it this weekend.
thanks!
Posted by: matt | July 15, 2004 11:10 PM
Jeff, don't believe the last post! My friend Matt has a terrible problem with posting lies on random boy scouts blog sites. He doesn't even know how to hike. Have a good one!
Posted by: shaggy | July 16, 2004 11:27 AM
Jeff, the plant you took a picture of on your Sandstone Peak page isn't Ceanothus, it's called Wooly Blue Curls.
Posted by: pablo | July 16, 2004 11:40 PM
Jeff thanks for the lovely pics. I am to new to the world of hiking, any advice for a novice? Perhaps you can recommend some scenic hikes that would better suit a beginner like myself.
Posted by: Diana | February 21, 2005 07:21 PM
Great Pictures..My girlfriend,myself and my dog Katie made it up to the top and back in high heat..Suggest trying in a cooler temp. Make sure you take enough water!!
Great experience for a novice hiker like me!!
Posted by: John, Hollywood Beach California | November 15, 2007 10:08 AM