Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak & Mishe Mokwa Loop

Explore this scenic loop in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (Malibu, California). If you don't want to do the 6 mile hike, you can opt for the 3.1 mile Sandstone Peak Hike.

This hiking trail is in northwest area of Los Angeles bordering the Valley, approximately 1 hour driving from Santa Monica, 1.5 hours from Downtown Los Angeles, and 2 hours from Orange County. It's especially a perfect hike if you live in the Valley, as it's only 30 minutes from Thousand Oaks.

Highly recommend this hike for sunrise or sunset.

Sandstone Peak Trail, Malibu Hike, Los Angeles Hiking

Information

Length

5.9 mile LOOP

Time

3-3.5 hours to complete

Elevation Gain

1350 ft

Ease

Path

Time of Year to Go

Moderate

Gravelly, would recommend good hiking shoes

Opened year-round, but I recommend going in the Spring or Fall, when the weather is not too hot. This is a great hike for sunrise or sunset, especially since there is little to no shade (so the afternoon sun won't beam on you).

Parking

Free parking lot

Recommendation for Food After

Neptune's Net - casual seafood right on PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), overlooking the water. 16 min drive from trailhead

Other Things

AllTrails Link HERE. Download the map before going in case you lose signal. Trail is not marked that well. (BTW, I do NOT pay for Alltrails Pro, but if you load the map before you lose signal and start navigation, it will still track your route).

There are a lot of options for hikes in this area, and this loop is a combination of smaller hikes in which you can opt for; the shorter best alternative would be Sandstone Peak - 3.1mi, 1000ft elevation (1h, 2.5-3mi shorter).

You can climb extra rocks that offer more 360 degree views (ONLY recommended if you are comfortable doing so and it has not rained recently, which might make it slippery). Fairly easy overall. Recommend going COUNTER clockwise.

I went on a weekday early morning, so unfortunately no sunrise/sunset pics to show you (but AllTrails has some great ones). On the Friday I went, I only saw a few other groups there. May get crowded during weekends.

Doggo- Friendly?

YES! But leash them

Dayhike What to Bring

After years of hiking on/off and reading lots of articles of things to bring for various hikes/trips, here's my list!

There's obviously BETTER gear than this list provides, but I tried to find things that are cost-conscious over the years.

(Disclaimer: some of these links might be affiliate links, which offer me a small commission at NO cost to you! It helps support the travels to help continue information on this webiste :))

HIKING SHOES - unlike some easier hikes in Los Angeles, I would recommend decent hiking shoes for this hike in Malibu given the terrain & some parts are a bit rocky. Waterproof is not necessary (GORE-TEX adds less breathability, sometimes more weight) but I only have waterproof to keep it simple for my other trip hikes that do require waterproof

Salomon Women's OUTPULSE Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots for Women ($100 Amazon) - lighter weight and more breathable, but not truly waterproof. I wore this for a full rain day walking around Osaka, Japan and my socks did ultimately get wet! But still my preference if you want something protective, not heavy-duty, and still (sort of) cute.

La Sportiva Womens Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Boot ($110 Amazon) - these are my go-to for heavy-duty protection. It is a bit less breathable. Do NOT size up (even if you wear good hiking socks) - I sized up and it was too loose

HIKING SOCKS - hiking socks are typically thicker and more supportive on the soles, to prevent blisters. There are different levels (thickness), depending on how long you will be hiking.

Darn Tough is my FAVORITE brand for hiking socks. They rarely go on sale, so if you see them for a few bucks off ever, its a snag. I'm a size 7 Women's and wear a small in the brand. I like the Micro Crew Height to match with my mid-top hiking shoes ($25 Amazon)

BACKPACK/WATER BLADDER - Given the hike length is 6 miles, I would highly recommend a water bladder; it helps ensure you're hydrated, is comfortable to bring (not having to use your hands). I prefer the Amazon version to Camelback given both price and cleanliness (since it has a cap you can easily remove/put back on after drinking)

Green 2L Hydration Bladder - you can get up to 3L, which will last you a full-day intense hike... but that can get heavy. I like 2L for each person with bringing electrolytes tablets in case. ($12 Amazon 2L)

MINERAL-BASED FACE SUNSCREEN - go for at LEAST SPF 30

My pick is the Shiseido Mineral Sunscreen, but it IS quite pricy ($50 Amazon for 5 Oz); you can wait for a sale on Ulta (which I've seen once!)

MINERAL-BASED BODY SUNSCREEN - go for at LEAST SPF 30

Over the years, I've upped my sunscreen game. Then, last year converted to mineral-based given 1) it's better for the environment and 2) it's thought to not have the chemicals that may cause cancer (oxybenzone, etc).
For body, I recommend the Blue Lizard Brand -- which is also NY Times' recommendation ;) ($12 Amazon for 5 Oz SPF 50) - this is the baby mineral sunscreen because I feel like it is more sensitive, but you can go for the adult version here as well ($13 Amazon for 5 Oz SPF 50)

SNACKS - bring snacks - especially if you like to wander and explore a little bit longer. I always try to pack some granola/protein bar/electrolyte powder in case

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