Peak a-’bu

Summit Sandstone Peak in Malibu for Cinematic Scenery

04.26.2023

A peak Malibu experience often involves a surfboard and a sandy beach, but it also involves something more literal—as in summiting Sandstone Peak. This premier 6-mile (round-trip) classic adventure delivers a dramatic, ever-changing landscape and some of Southern California’s most cinematic views.

From the trailhead, follow signs to the Mishe Mokwa Trail, making a right at the first junction and a left at the half-mile mark. As the trail edges the hillside, you will have a front-row view to never-ending mountains, currently lush and green. Soon you’ll encounter red-rock cliffs and sandstone rock formations resembling the Old Southwest. Admire the rock climbers scaling the popular Echo Cliffs, and the aptly named Balanced Rock on top of the cliff.

The trail dips past a stream into a wooded grove, where you’ll find Split Rock, a giant boulder split into two. Continue through the canyon, and around the 3.4-mile mark follow the Backbone Trail back. Don’t miss the short spur trail to Inspiration Point, home to a Boy Scout memorial and a first glimpse of the shimmering ocean. 

Soaring 3,114 feet above sea level, Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. If your shoes have decent tread, you can scramble to the top. This is a prime spot to see all of Malibu and beyond, from the Channel Islands in the west to the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the south, and the San Gabriel Mountains in the east. 

Make your way back down the peak (it’s easier than it looks!) and rejoin the Backbone Trail until it comes to a junction. Make a right to get back to the parking lot. You can now head back to the beach, with the highpoint of your day already behind you.

{NOTE: Do not do this hike on hot days during the middle of the day. Very early starts are best, and be sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks.} From Santa Monica, take the Pacific Coast Hwy. northbound toward Malibu for about 29 miles. Turn right on Yerba Buena Rd. and drive up the hill for about 6.3 miles until you reach the parking lot on your left. The trailhead is at the brown gate. Free parking. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Yvonne Pasquini, @yvonne_pasquini

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  2. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  3. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

  4. Big Burdell!

    If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View

  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

    View

  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View