Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak

To the Chippewa Indians of Michigan and Wisconsin, Mishe Mokwa meant a great bear. To the Weekday Trailblazers of So Cal, it means a great hike with amazing natural features.

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The Mishe-Mokwa trail is a 7 mile loop with approximately 1,100 feet of elevation gain, most of it at the start. The trail begins near the Circle X Ranch on Yerba Buena Road. It follows Carlisle Canyon past weathered red volcanic rock formations. There are views across the canyon of the caves and crevices of Echo Cliffs, a physics marvel named Balanced Rock, and a huge, fractured boulder known as Split Rock (it lost the battle with physics). Occasionally you will see rock climbers dangling through the canyon.

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The return follows the Backbone Trail and takes us past Tri-Peaks, Inspiration Point, and Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, where, on a clear day, you can see LA, Ventura, and the Channel Islands. This is all national parkland, so the trails are very clearly marked.They vary from single track to fire road to pure rock, from fully shaded to fully exposed. It can get windy at the summit, so prepare accordingly.

Directions:

From the 101, take Westlake Blvd (Rte 23) south 5.5 miles to Mulholland. Turn right on Mulholland for 2.1 miles. Turn right on Little Sycamore, which becomes Yerba Buena Road, for 3.9 miles.

The parking lot on the right has a sign that says trailhead that is visible from the road. There is another lot about a quarter of a mile before the correct lot. Don't be fooled.

This is a very slow driving route (narrow, with sharp turns) and will probably take a half hour from the 101 to the lot. Give yourself plenty of time, then take it.

From Pacific Coast Highway, take Yerba Buena Road (near Neptune's Net), 6.9 miles.

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.