Sandstone Peak and Tri- Peaking Through the Santa Monicas

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Please note revision to distance and elevation gain and updated driving directions.

Description:
Peter will be at the helm again, so join us for one of the most beautiful hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains. It's particularly breathtaking at this time of year. There will be some climbing to get to the top of Sandstone Peak and Tri-Peaks. This hike includes views of 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, Inspiration point and Tri-Peaks. Distance: Approximately 7 1/2 miles with Elevation gain: around 2000 ft.

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Directions:

Directions to the Sandstone Peak Trailhead:
From Westlake Village, exit on Westlake Blvd (CA-23 South) from the 101 Freeway, and follow it south for several miles (approximately 7 miles) to stop sign for Mulholland West (Note: Westlake Blvd. will merge with Mulholland West before you reach the stop sign). At the stop sign, turn right onto Mulholland (West) for about 0.4 miles. Turn right onto Little Sycamore Canyon, which becomes Yerba Buena Road after 1.4 miles, for 4 1/2 miles to Sandstone Peak trailhead. The Sandstone Peak lot is on the right side of the road. Look for large Sandstone Peak sign. The parking lot is above Yerba Buena Road and there is a bathroom at the end of the parking lot. If you pass the Circle X Ranch, you went too far.

Alternately, from Pacific Coast Highway take Yerba Buena Road (near Neptune's Net) approximately 7 miles (passing the Circle X Ranch. Note: Sandstone Peak trailhead is approximately 1 mile from the Circle X Ranch). OR HWY 23 (Decker Cyn - 4 miles west of Point Dume), turn onto Mulholland and follow directions as shown above.

Click on following link for map of parking area:http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=113672060261904627424.00045f20bbff5fa4be25e&t=h&z (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=113672060261904627424.00045f20bbff5fa4be25e&t=h&z=16)

Note: This is a very slow driving route (narrow, with sharp turns) and will probably take 30-40 minutes from the 101 or PCH to the parking lot. Give yourself plenty of time. Cell reception is marginal up there.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.