Top of the World at Sandstone Peak

When I awoke on Saturday with sun streaming through my window, I shook off a minor Halloween hangover and packed up my gear for some reaquaintance with nature. It’s been nearly a month since I last hit the trails, and with a brilliant blue sky and white puffy clouds, the day called for something special.

Nearly an hour’s drive from the city at the top of winding Yerba Buena Road, Sandstone Peak is a spot I’ve been meaning to try since I started hiking. There’s plenty of reasons why.

From the trailhead we climbed uphill for about a mile to reach the mountaintop that gives the hike it’s name. Clocking in a 3,111 feet, Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains and on a crystal-clear day like ours, affords views from Oxnard to Catalina Island. It was stunning.

At the base of the small monument is a drawer that holds a register. Those who make it to the top can leave their own mark! We signed our names, left a message and a picture.

After sandwiches and beer we made our descent, this time via the Mishe Mokwa Trail, a roughly four mile loop showing off more spectacular views of the Valley and beyond.

It was easy going and a pleasant stroll, with a refreshing chill in the air given our altitude. We were all smiles and laughter…until…

What. The. Fuck. Ladybugs. Everywhere. Covering the trees, clumped in the grass, raping the landscape. For a bug that is normally appreciated by humankind, this was horrifying. Even worse, we made an accidental meander off the trail and landed in the heart of their den, finally escaping but not without hundreds of scarlet beetles all over our hair, clothes and backpacks. Uggghhhhhh…..

We finally made it out, but not without a few minutes of general shivering and disgust. But as we climbed out of the lower forested trail, and back up to the craggy mountaintop, the trail rewarded our struggle…with a gorgeous golden sunset.

Another awesome day. Thanks Los Angeles.

Directions via Modern Hiker