Sandstone Peak-Tri Peaks (Intermediate)

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Let's visit a secret, the most beautiful gem of Malibu and a highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains: Sandstone Peak!

Meetup time: 8:15AM; Hiking time: 8:30AM (most of us come from Point Mugu)

Highlights: One of the best hikes in SoCal. Sandstone cliffs, peaks, streams, views.
Near: Malibu, CA (11 miles away)
Distance: 7 miles RT

Elevation Gain: 2000+ ft
Hike Time: approx. 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate-Intermediate (check your hiking level: https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boards/thread/10328308 )
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
HikeType: Loop

What to bring: Comfortable hiking boots or shoes. Lots of Water, snacks and a light lunch and your camera for some killer shots. Most important 10 Hiking Essentials https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boards/thread/9535234

Photos from last time hikes:

https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/6115712/

https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=1167475

https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=1222256

About Mishe Mokwa Trail - Sandstone Peak: This is 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 where kids can dash between the sheer walls, stunning giant sandstone formations, and breathtaking views from the top of Sandstone Peak and Inspiration point. The side trail to Tri Peaks offers an additional mile of rugged (but not too steep) hiking. The offshoot is far less maintained than the main loop and appears to be a center for runoff, which means you are basically hiking up a gully. If that doesn't bother you, it is only half a mile to Tri Peaks Trails map: http://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=376833

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2008/feb/15/backbone-trail/

Direction to Trailhead: The trailhead is 1 mile east of the Circle X Ranch, which is located 5 ½ miles from Pacific Coast Highway on Yerba Buena Road in Malibu. Alternately, from Frwy 101, exit on Westlake Blvd- go 0.4 mi turn Left on S WESTLAKE BLVD - go 3.2 mi Continue on DECKER CANYON RD(CA-23) - go 2.2 mi Continue to follow CA-23 - go 1.9 mi Bear Right on MULHOLLAND HWY - go 0.4 mi. Turn right onto Little Sycamore Canyon and it will become Yerba Buena Road as you cross the county line. Proceed on Yerba Buena Road for about 4 miles to trailhead (about a mile before you hit the Circle X Ranch Ranger Station). (Lat:34.11161 Lon:-118.92643 this is a parking for Sandstone Peak, not Backbone trailhead)

CARPOOL LOCATION: from Orange county, take Orange Park and Ride: https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boa... (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boards/thread/9270810) Park & Ride in Orange on N Tustin St and E Lincoln Ave Orange, CA 92865 Traveling NORTH on the 55, exit Lincoln Ave. West. Make 2 lefts, go under the freeway and take a left onto Tustin Ave. heading South. If you're traveling SOUTH on the 55, exit Lincoln and make a left on Tustin. The Park & Ride will be on your left hand side. You'll need to make a U-Turn to get to this side of the street

REMINDER:

By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
> YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
> YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyotes, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***