David Kotz

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  3. 2016

Sandstone Peak

I was in LA for business all week, in a high-rise office with a great view of the distant mountains. I stayed an extra day and headed out through the Simi Valley to the Santa Monica mountains to hike Sandstone Peak. A thoroughly enjoyable 6.5-mile loop, open to views most of the way! The views to the south passed over the foothills and into the Pacific Ocean, so I drove the winding road down from the trailhead, came around a bend, and ended right at the beachfront! Drove back along the coast through Malibu. A great day for a hike and drive through pretty countryside! Blog: http://davidkotz.org/2016/02/21/sandstone-peak/
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  • View east across LA from an office building in the financial district. Gazing out at the distant mountains every day whet my appetite for a hike at the end of the week.

    View east across LA from an office building in the financial district. Gazing out at the distant mountains every day whet my appetite for a hike at the end of the week.

  • The approach to Sandstone Peak trailhead involves a very twisty road with steep exposure.

    The approach to Sandstone Peak trailhead involves a very twisty road with steep exposure.

  • A bicyclist cranks up the winding road, with the 'backbone' section of my hike behind him.

    A bicyclist cranks up the winding road, with the 'backbone' section of my hike behind him.

  • Sandstone Peak, highest point in the Santa Monica mountains. See http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/sandstone-peak/

    Sandstone Peak, highest point in the Santa Monica mountains. See http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/sandstone-peak/

  • A view toward the Pacific ocean with the Sandstone peak 'backbone' at right. The trail was badly eroded due to heavy use and poor design; the park laid out ad hoc waterbars using sandbags.

    A view toward the Pacific ocean with the Sandstone peak 'backbone' at right. The trail was badly eroded due to heavy use and poor design; the park laid out ad hoc waterbars using sandbags.

  • Some of the bushes were in bloom, and shady parts of the trail were damp from a recent rain.

    Some of the bushes were in bloom, and shady parts of the trail were damp from a recent rain.

  • Echo Cliffs, with a large group of climbers in the large dark crack left of center, and (left of center) Balancing Rock.

    Echo Cliffs, with a large group of climbers in the large dark crack left of center, and (left of center) Balancing Rock.

  • Balancing Rock, seemingly ready to fall over Echo cliffs into the valley below.

    Balancing Rock, seemingly ready to fall over Echo cliffs into the valley below.

  • A quiet stream deep in the ravine along the Mishe Mokwa trail, behind Sandstone Peak.

    A quiet stream deep in the ravine along the Mishe Mokwa trail, behind Sandstone Peak.

  • The high country near Sandstone Peak.

    The high country near Sandstone Peak.

  • Wild columbine flowers dot the high meadows.

    Wild columbine flowers dot the high meadows.

  • Two hikers examine the view from a promentory near Sandstone Peak.

    Two hikers examine the view from a promentory near Sandstone Peak.

  • Sandstone Peak in sight - the high point of the hike ahead - with a group of hikers on the bump in middle ground.

    Sandstone Peak in sight - the high point of the hike ahead - with a group of hikers on the bump in middle ground.

  • Parts of the trail wind through short trees (tall bushes), some in bloom. Where shade persists, the trail was damp from a recent rainfall.

    Parts of the trail wind through short trees (tall bushes), some in bloom. Where shade persists, the trail was damp from a recent rainfall.

  • A hiker absorbs the view to the north, into the Simi Valley and beyond.

    A hiker absorbs the view to the north, into the Simi Valley and beyond.

  • Nearing Sandstone Peak - with a crowd of hikers already assembled.

    Nearing Sandstone Peak - with a crowd of hikers already assembled.

  • View back along the Backbone Trail, whence I came.

    View back along the Backbone Trail, whence I came.

  • The summit of Sandstone Peak is already crowded!

    The summit of Sandstone Peak is already crowded!

  • Selfie on the summit of Sandstone Peak, Santa Monica Mountains, CA.

    Selfie on the summit of Sandstone Peak, Santa Monica Mountains, CA.

  • Selfie on the summit of Sandstone Peak, Santa Monica Mountains, CA.

    Selfie on the summit of Sandstone Peak, Santa Monica Mountains, CA.

  • The beach alongside US1, the Pacific Coast Highway, directly opposite the road down from the Sandstone Peak trail.

    The beach alongside US1, the Pacific Coast Highway, directly opposite the road down from the Sandstone Peak trail.

  • Dipping my toes in the chilly Pacific Ocean.

    Dipping my toes in the chilly Pacific Ocean.

  • Neptune's Net - a popular seafood restaurant alongside US1 and directly opposite the beach.

    Neptune's Net - a popular seafood restaurant alongside US1 and directly opposite the beach.

  • Malibu, California and its beach.

    Malibu, California and its beach.

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