SBVC - Day Hike: Sandstone Peak
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Time/Place: Meet at 8:45am, hike at 9:00am sharp
Distance: 6.5 miles, lollipop-type route
Elevation Gain: 1100 feet
Bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen, hat.
Directions: From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) head up Yerba Buena Rd (immediately next to Neptune's Net) for roughly 6.5 miles. You'll know you're close to arriving when you see Circle X Ranch on your right. Go past the first trailhead parking lot to the SECOND lot. This is the EAST lot (see map below)
Take in one of the best panoramic views in Southern California. This 6 mile hike on Backbone Trail leads you to the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains. You won't believe the views from the summit!
There are two parking lots for different spur trails, each roughly 6 miles up from PCH - so if you're coming from PCH, it is the SECOND parking lot you will see - this is the EAST PARKING LOT. If you're coming from Mulholland, then it's the first lot you'll encounter. If you park at the wrong lot, it's not a big deal as they both go to the same place, but there's no cell phone coverage there so we'll possibly miss each other. If parking is full in the lot I specified, there should be overflow parking along the road.
Back to the trail: It is very well maintained. Follow the gentle switchbacking trail up the north face of the ridge, enjoying views that wind around looking out into the lush valley. The brush stands tall here, and it shades the trail up to the stairs at the summit. We may even see wildflowers.
From the top of Sandstone Peak (actually called Mount Allen - and did you know there's actually no sandstone here?) you have full 360º views of the entire mountain range from Palos Verdes and Catalina Island, to Santa Barbara and Channel Islands National Park. To the north are the Topa Topa Range, Ojai and the Santa Clara Valley. All around are impressive rocky formations, making this a very unique setting. Sit back on the rock and soak in the views.
After the hike, some may choose to have lunch at Neptune's Net - a beachside icon known for their fish and chips.
Please RSVP if you intend on going. See you there!
Chris (805-509-8240)
