Sandstone Peak Trail

Page Type Page Type: Route
Location Lat/Lon: 34.12030°N / 118.9309°W
Additional Information Route Type: Hike
Additional Information Time Required: Half a day
Additional Information Difficulty: moderate
Sign the Climber's Log

Description

  • This is the shortest and most direct approach to Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains. This trail is a segment of the Backbone Trail.

  • The trailhead is just about one mile east of the Circle X Ranch main house off Yerba Buena Road (2,030'). The trail starts immediately on the northern end of the parking lot. The trail ascends steadily and after about 0.5 miles you reach the Connector Trail heading right (east) to meet with the Mishe Mokwa Trail. Keep left and continue on the Backbone Trail. The south cliffs of Exchange Peak, Boney Peak, and Sandstone Peak can be seen early.

    Exchange and Boney Peaks Sandstone Peak Exchange, Boney, and Sandstone Peak
    Exchange Peak and Boney Peak
    Sandstone Peak
    Exchange, Boney, and Sandstone Peak


  • After a few more switchbacks you will be greeted with great views down Carlisle Canyon to the northeast with the Carlisle Creek making its way towards Lake Sherwood. Across the canyon you see Echo Cliffs with Balanced Rock above. In the distance you can see Los Padres National Forest.

  • Eventually the trail levels off and leads west on the north side of Sandstone Peak. To reach the summit, look out for a trail to the left. At the junction there is a sign and a series of steps cut into the rock start the climb. You can also use one of several “unofficial” use-trails up to Sandstone Peak. All of which require some fun, class 2 scrambling to the top. At the top you are greeted with plaque stating that the peak is Mt. Allen. The views from the top are magnificent on a clear day. Be careful of the cliff on the southside of Sandstone Peak.

  • Overall, it is a short, 3 mile roundtrip with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain.

    Google Earth Rendition - View Northwest Google Earth Rendition - View Southeast
    Sandstone Peak Trail - Google Earth
    Sandstone Peak Trail - Google Earth



    Essential Gear


    No essential gear is necessary. Some scrambling to reach the summit. Bring sun protection in the summer.




    Parents 

    Parents

    Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports.