Sandstone Peak

Park in the dirt lot off of Yerba Buena Road and hike north past the gate to the wide, fire-road track.

Stay right at the 3-way junction to start hiking on the Mishe-Mokwa Trail.

Here, the trail becomes narrower and more rugged. You'll make a few short climbs and descents through low brush and chaparral.

If you're just interested in getting to Sandstone Peak, take a left at this junction instead, but you'll miss a lot of the spectacular scenery the area has to offer.

Keep left at the junction to continue on the Mishe Mokwa Trail. Here, you'll get spellbinding views of the peaks and valleys to the east - and if you're lucky, you'll get to see the San Gabriels on a clear day.

This other trail leads to an alternate parking area a bit further east on Yerba Buena Road, and is also designated as part of the Backbone Trail - a long-distance trail system that stretches from the Pacific Ocean near Point Mugu State Park to Will Rogers State Park in the Pacific Palisades.

This is an area that's also well-traveled by rock climbers. If you're interested in trying out a little easy scrambling, there's a decent rock to the west of the trail in this area. Otherwise, keep soaking in the views and continue on the trail as it skirts the western edge of a wide canyon.

Be sure to look across the canyon here for a view of Balanced Rock - a house-sized boulder that looks impossibly balanced on a smaller one.

Here, the trail starts to descend a bit, and you'll find yourself with more shade than you've had so far.

Hop across a seasonal stream and hike past Split Rock - a large split boulder formation on the ground. This is a popular climbing rock for Boy Scouts, and there's a picnic table nearby if you'd like to stop for a snack in the shade.

When you're done relaxing, continue on the Mishe Mokwa Trail as it heads north of the table, then immediately keep left at the junction with the Balanced Rock Trail.

The Balanced Rock Trail is an unmaintained, unofficial route that leads to Balanced Rock, as well as several popular climbing areas along the canyon.

Cross another seasonal stream and continue hiking southwest on the Mishe Mokwa Trail. Here, the trail widens and makes a manageable but steady incline.

Here, there is a firebreak that looks like a trail junction - it's not. Stick to the wider, more established trail to save yourself some unnecessary bushwhacking.

Keep right at the 3-way junction to make a side trip to Tri-Peaks.

This trail is more overgrown, narrow, and generally more rugged than the path you've been hiking so far. This trail has some steep, washed-out sections, and lots of pointy Spanish Bayonets along the way - but it is still a popular, well-traveled path. Just keep your eyes open and you should be fine.

In this area, there are several false trails that spur off from the main one, and it can be difficult to tell if you're on the right path or not.

By now, Tri-Peaks should be very visible - they're the three prominent boulders that are pretty much right in your face. If you look near the boulders, you'll be able to see a small metal pole. Just keep heading toward that, and you'll be on the trail.

You'll also have some pretty outstanding views of the area from here - be sure to soak 'em all in.

Tri-Peaks is a collection of three large boulders. There is an official USGS marker on them.

This is a nice place to try your hand at a little moderately-difficult scrambling, or just to soak in the views of Point Mugu State Park to the north, the Pacific to the west, and Sandstone Peak to the southeast.

When you've had your fill, return to the Mishe Mokwa Trail the way you came in.

On your return from Tri-Peaks, keep right at this junction to continue on the Backbone Trail.

There is a short trail leading south, to a pair of large water tanks. Ignore this trail and continue east on the Backbone Trail.

Here, take a very short detour from the Backbone Trail. Head south from the trail through some low brush to Inspiration Point.

Enjoy the small flat-topped summit of Inspiration Peak, marked by a small plaque and memorial to a Boy Scout.

From here, you will have outstanding views of the Santa Monica Mountains, and often south to Palos Verdes.

When you're done, head back and take a right at the junction to continue east on the Backbone Trail.

At a sharp curve in the Backbone Trail, look for a staircase into the brush on the south side of the trail.

Head up these stairs for the final ascent to Sandstone Peak. This route requires a small bit of scrambling, and while the drop-offs are steep it's not really a difficult route. Take your time and don't be afraid to turn back if it's looking too steep for you.

Here, the flat part of the trail seems to run back down the hill. Look for a clearly defined scrambling path ascending, instead. Continue up this path to Sandstone Peak.

Look for the stone and concrete monument to William Allen. The Boy Scouts lobbied unsuccessfully to get this peak named after Allen (and they call it Mount Allen on their plaque), but the official name is "Sandstone Peak" according to the USGS.

There is small drawer in the monument with a well-worn trail register. Sign and soak in the views from the tallest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains (3111 ft).

When you're done, head due north down the rock face. Eventually you will see a clearing in the brush that will lead you back down to the Backbone Trail.

When you rejoin the Backbone Trail from Sandstone Peak, keep right and continue descending.

Follow this trail back to the parking area where you started.