Went up to Ventura County, a little north of Malibu to hike the Sandstone peak trail today. It’s been the driest, hottest winter in socal I can remember (today temp ~80 and no rain in 1 month), but a nice day for a hike. Hike was a 6 mile loop using the backbone and mishe mokwa trails. Sandstone peak is the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains, but at ~3000 feet that’s not saying much.
The hike was moderate difficulty, took ~3 hours including stops to look at balanced rock, inspiration point and sandstone peak. Trail up to sandstone peak was a little scary with lots of loose dirt and it was pretty steep. Came down an alternate trail, non-official trail people use, but should’ve came down the same way I went up as it was pretty sketchy. Scenery wasn’t spectacular but it was typical of the mountains around LA especially when it hasn’t rained very much all winter.
Nice to be outside again, although with the good weather seems like everyone had the same idea. Parking lot and trail was pretty crowded, but that was expected on a nice, Saturday.
Kevin's Travel Journal 