Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
1,630.00 ft (496.82 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
5.73 mi (9.22 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Sandstone Peak Loop is a 5.6-mile loop trail in the Santa Monica mountains located east of Malibu, California. While taking you up to Sandstone Peak (3,111 ft.), the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains, this loop offers a beautiful overview of the Santa Monica Mountains National Monument area. It offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the green hillsides of the Santa Monica Mountains. It features unique geology, biodiversity, and beautiful displays of buckwheat, lupine, and various wildflowers. The trails are moderately rated, easily accessible, and popular amongst the locals. The terrain is primarily singletrack with some dirt road sections and is suitable for running, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. 

MILES AND DIRECTIONS

0.0 - Hike north on the Sandstone Peak Trail

0.4 - Turn right at the junction to join the Mishe Mokwa Trail

0.5 - Turn left on the Backbone Trail

3.2 - Stay left at Tri-Peaks Trail to remain on the Backbone Trail

4.2 - Turn right onto the Sandstone Peak use trail and continue to the summit. From the top, retrace your steps and turn right when you reach the Backbone Trail. 

5.5 - Stay right at the junction and continue along the Sandstone Peak Trail back to the parking area.

PARKING

The official start of this loop is located at the Sandstone Peak Trailhead Parking Area off of Yerba Buena Road. 

ALTERNATE ROUTE

If the Sandstone Peak parking lot is full, visitors can begin this loop from Mishe Mokwa-Backbackbone Trail Trailhead located off of Yerba Buena Road near Triunfo Pass. If you park in this parking area you will stay to the right at the first trail junction and after that you will be on the regular loop. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Santa Monica National Recreation Area: https://www.nps.gov/samo/index.htm

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall
Winter

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Year-round access. Scenic Vistas. Mountain Summit.

Cons

Can get crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

2,042.00 ft (622.40 m)

Highest point

3,111.00 ft (948.23 m)

Features

Wildlife
Big vistas
Geologically significant
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking
Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

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