Sandstone Peak & Santa Monica Mountains Traverse

The 5.7-mile Mishe Mokwa Trail circumnavigates Sandstone Peak (3,111 ft, the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains) and includes the optional out-and-back to the true summit via the 0.4-mile connector. The loop descends through the volcanic boulders of the Balanced Rock area, passes the Backchat Spring (a reliable desert seep visible even in dry years), and ascends to Summit Peak for the most complete Santa Monica Mountains panorama — Channel Islands visible on clear days. The lower Echo Cliffs section includes a 50-foot cliff traverse on a ledged trail that makes this the most technical trail in the range.

A 1.5-mile beach at the Malibu-Ventura County line backed by dramatic sea caves and tide pools accessible at low tide. The coastal bluffs rise directly from the sand and the caves — some large enough to walk through — were used as filming locations for decades of Hollywood productions. The tide pools are among the richest on the Southern California coast, with ochre sea stars, giant green anemones, and purple urchins.