Ascend Sandstone Peak via Mishe Mokwa Trail
Heading to Sandstone Peak, the majestic summit of the Santa Monica Mountains at 3,111 feet, is a must-do for any hiker. While you could just haul up the steep, short trail for a quick summit, I strongly suggest taking the popular Mishe Mokwa Trail scenic loop instead. This way, you'll get to marvel at the stunning beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains, with views of iconic landmarks like Balanced Rock, Echo Cliffs, Split Rock, and Tri-Peaks. Plus, the longer loop is less steep than the direct route, providing a bit of a rest for your legs.
Fun fact: Sandstone Peak isn't actually made of sandstone but volcanic rock[1].
Where's Sandstone Peak Located?
The Sandstone Peak trailhead in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area can be found on Yerba Buena Road in Malibu[4]. To get there, hop on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and head north. Take a right onto Yerba Buena Road and cruise about 6.5 miles. The trailhead is roughly a mile east of Circle X Ranch, which is 5 miles from PCH along Yerba Buena Road[3].
Sunrise is the ideal time to visit Sandstone Peak, as the rocky landscape and scenery are bathed in beautiful colors[2].
What Gear do I Need?
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
This is a backcountry hike, so proper hiking gear is essential. I always pack at least 2L of water, wear trail runners, and find trekking poles invaluable on the steeper sections of the peaks.
My Top Gear Picks:
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
- Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack, offering lightweight durability and a trampoline mesh to keep my back dry[5].
- Norda 001 - A comfortable, featherweight hiking shoes that feels like a monster truck and a comfy pillow[6].
- Garmin inReach Mini 2 - my trusted SOS device for backcountry hikes[7].
- AllTrails Plus - Offering up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync[8].
- Garmin Fenix 8 - My trusted mobile companion for maps, tracking, and routing[9].
For more info on these gear picks and why I love them, check out my Top Gear Picks page (last updated June 2025)[10].
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
Sandstone Peak Trail Maps:
- View hike on CalTopo
- Download GPX File
AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
Elevation Profile
3D Map
Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.
Sandstone Peak Hike Directions:
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Fun Facts:
- W. Herbert Allen is memorialized at Sandstone Peak, as the Boy Scouts wanted to name the peak after him, but USGS has a rule against naming geographical features after living people[2]. The memorial was created in 1969, and Allen passed away in 1981.
- Before it was called Mishe Mokwa, this area was known as the Bedsprings Trail[2].
[1]: Sandstone Peak is volcanic rock: Source[2]: The Sandstone Peak hike's interesting history: Source[3]: Sandstone Peak trailhead location: Source[4]: Lion Canyon Road Route to Sandstone Peak: Source[5]: Osprey Hikelite 26: Source[6]: Norda 001: Source[7]: Garmin inReach Mini 2: Source[8]: AllTrails Plus: Source[9]: Garmin Fenix 8: Source[10]: My Top Gear Picks: Source
- The Sandstone Peak trailhead, a must-visit for hikers, is located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, easily accessible via Yerba Buena Road in Malibu.
- For the Sandstone Peak hike, proper gear is essential, including a durable daypack like the Osprey Hikelite 26, trail runners, and trekking poles for the steeper sections.
- The Mishe Mokwa Trail scenic loop, an alternative to the steep, short trail, offers stunning views of the Santa Monica Mountains and iconic landmarks, while providing a less steep route for a more enjoyable hike.
- The Mishe Mokwa Trail, previously known as the Bedsprings Trail, is a popular choice among hikers, offering a longer loop that showcases the beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Sandstone Peak, while it isn't actually made of sandstone, is a 3,111 feet summit in the Santa Monica Mountains, offering adventurous hikers a trekking opportunity filled with breathtaking views and exciting sports experiences.
