Sandstone Peak

Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica mountains at 3,111'. There's a nice 6 mile loop that can be done in both directions and combined with several offshoots to make for a great 17 mile, 4,100' gain day.
IMG_1803 Sandstone Peak trailhead. Parking here is extremely tough on the weekends. I started a couple miles down the road at Circle X Ranch and ran from there.
Sandstone Peak trailhead. Parking here is extremely tough on the weekends. I started a couple miles down the road at Circle X Ranch and ran from there.
IMG_1804 The Mishe Mokwa plus Backbone trails form a nice 6 mile loop. I ran it counter-clockwise first then clockwise on the way back.
The Mishe Mokwa plus Backbone trails form a nice 6 mile loop. I ran it counter-clockwise first then clockwise on the way back.
IMG_1808 Echo Cliffs near the end of Carlisle Canyon.
Echo Cliffs near the end of Carlisle Canyon.
IMG_1809 Looking down the canyon.
Looking down the canyon.
IMG_1812 Now high above Echo Cliffs.
Now high above Echo Cliffs.
IMG_1813 Zoomed in on a group of rock climbers at the base of the cliffs.
Zoomed in on a group of rock climbers at the base of the cliffs.
IMG_1816 Split Rock about a third of the way around the loop on the Mishe Mokwa trail.
Split Rock about a third of the way around the loop on the Mishe Mokwa trail.
IMG_1818 The first good look at Exchange, Boney, and Sandstone Peaks.
The first good look at Exchange, Boney, and Sandstone Peaks.
IMG_1819 A closer look at the peaks.
A closer look at the peaks.
IMG_1822 The Tri-Peaks area about halfway around the loop.
The Tri-Peaks area about halfway around the loop.
IMG_1824 Tri-Peak at 3,010' is just a bit lower than Sandstone Peak.
Tri-Peak at 3,010' is just a bit lower than Sandstone Peak.
IMG_1829 A couple guys look stuck scrambling around the peak.
A couple guys look stuck scrambling around the peak.
IMG_1830 Geological marker on Tri-Peak.
Geological marker on Tri-Peak.
IMG_1834 About two-thirds around the loop is a short offshoot to Inspiration Point.
About two-thirds around the loop is a short offshoot to Inspiration Point.
IMG_1835 Unfortunately, it's a really foggy day so the view from the peak wasn't entirely inspiring.
Unfortunately, it's a really foggy day so the view from the peak wasn't entirely inspiring.
IMG_1836 It's crowded though with a Boy Scout troop on the peak.
It's crowded though with a Boy Scout troop on the peak.
IMG_1837 Nice view across the canyon from the South side of the loop.
Nice view across the canyon from the South side of the loop.
IMG_1839 Ready to take the offshoot up to Sandstone Peak.
Ready to take the offshoot up to Sandstone Peak.
IMG_1840 The statue on Sandstone Peak.
The statue on Sandstone Peak.
IMG_1843 A panoramic look inland from Sandstone Peak.
A panoramic look inland from Sandstone Peak.