TRAIL NAME:  Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak Hike (Santa Monica Mountains)

HIKE DATE: Sunday, February 16, 2020

MEETING TIME: 1:00 pm – 1:15 pm
(We’ll wait at most 15 mins past the meeting time. We leave the meeting point at 1:15 am)
Return Approx: 5:00 pm

HIKE LEAD:  Robert Bittner

HIKE LEVELLevel 6 –  (Moderate workout with good incline sections and rocky terrain. No Dogs. No Kids. No Beginners.)

WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL?:
Find out more about hiking levels here:
http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/

HIKE RSVP (if applies):
https://www.facebook.com/latrailhikers/events

HIKE DISTANCE: 6 miles (round trip)

HIKE DURATION: 3.5 – 4 hours (approx.)

MEETING LOCATION:
Sandstone Peak Trailhead
12896 Yerba Buena Rd.
Malibu, CA 90265

DIRECT LINKhttps://goo.gl/maps/hk65bT3cueS2

MEETING POINT NOTE:  We will meet at the Sandstone Peak Trailhead. The Trailhead is on Yerba Buena Road. You’ll need to drive up to the dirt parking lot above. There is a single restroom stall in that parking area (but as always, we suggest you go before you drive out to the meeting point).

GETTING THERE: It is approximately an hour and a half (+-10 mins) drive from Downtown LA to trailhead. (A little less on a Sunday morning). We suggest carpooling from L.A. Please check for any traffic on the day of event.

HIKE WALKTHROUGH: The first section of the trail is a pretty steady incline for at least ½ mile until we get to the sign where the trail splits. We will take the right fork and start on the Mishe Mokwa trail. From here the trail goes up and down for about 1 ½ miles until we arrive at Split Rock. We will take a break here for a few minutes and then continue on the Mishe Mokwa trail. Parts of the trail are shaded but there are parts with sun too. As we come around the trail we will start onto the Backbone trail which will take us around to the beginning to complete the loop. Along the way, we will pass Balance rock and the Tri Peaks area.  We will make another stop at Inspiration Point which has beautiful views all the way to the Pacific ocean if the sky is clear. We are not going up to Sandstone Peak on this hike, so we will pass that and continue on our loop back to the beginning.

WATER REQUIRED. WATER CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED. If you do not take enough water or are not appropriately equipped for this hike, you will be turned away from doing this hike with us even if you show up. Please note, that we have expectations for Level 5 hikers. Read all the details.

REQUIREMENTS: WATER (at least 2 liters or at least three 20oz water bottles), 2-3 liters recommended. Comfortable hiking/sports shoes with good grip.

RECOMMENDED:  A good snack and comfortable walking shoes.  Try to pack lightly as you’ll be using plenty of your energy getting to the top and coming back down the trail. Have a light breakfast prior to the hike.

NOTES FROM THE HIKE LEAD:
– Keep in mind this trail has a lot of Rocks and gravel in areas – Lug soles highly recommended.
– Dress in layers and pay attention to the weather.
– A hat and sunscreen also advisable.

RESTROOMS: There is an outhouse style toilet here – but there are no facilities along the trail.

IS IT DOG-FRIENDLY?:  Yes, but must be on a leash (experienced/friendly dogs only)

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE?
1. Read the Hike’s Details we link at the very top of this page.
2. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience.
3. If, and only if it suits you, then RSVP for this event and show up the day of the hike with all necessary gear and water (we mention everything you need on the details page for this hike).

MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT?
We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike you’re not ready for.  You know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suit your experience level. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level.

DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm, bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By showing up or attending the hike, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike lead/organizer, participant, LA Trail Hikers, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. Additionally, you will not be allowed to participate with the group if you are not adequately prepared with enough water and the right gear/equipment/nutrition essential to complete the hike. You are fully responsible for yourself.