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    Sandstone Peak

    4.8 (15 reviews)

    Sandstone Peak Photos

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    Amy R.

    So beautiful. But I will warn it's all incline and about 1hr and 15 minutes to get to the top . Start trail no later then 5:30 am ! (:

    At the summit
    Greg M.

    One of my favorite hikes in the Malibu area. I would highly recommend hitting up this spot early in the morning (arriving to the trailhead at 4am-5am depending on the time of year) to experience sunrise above the clouds. Having a group of friends rolling out is always better and will help make the early morning a little more bearable (). This hike especially at that time isn't really crowded and is an obvious/wide trail. There are a couple different starting points but the closest one is only about 30/40mins hiking from the peak. Because you're going to a peak, plan on those 30/40mins to be all uphill. Make the most of it, plan a little time to recharge and relax afterward with a smoothie from SunLife Organics or coffee from Blue Bottle down in Malibu off PCH. One of the best ways to start your day or weekend!

    Darren B.

    Perfectly maintained, yet ruggedly beautiful trail that can see you bag one peak, 4 peaks, or however many peaks your 'lil legs will take you! The views are stunning from whichever trail you take or from any of the ridges and peaks and points you decide to stop and drink in you're surroundings. Parking Lots are nice and the pit toilets well-maintained.

    angela k.

    We loved this trail! We came on a weekend and it was still very quite when we got there with very few people on the trail. Tons of wildflowers and amazing views of the Valley. It was truly Breathtaking! Tons of free parking in an open gravel lot made it easy to park right at the trailhead. Love that the trail was easy to follow so I didn't have to pull out my All Trails map until probably the last 100 ft or so as we neared the top. The only reason I had to pull it out at the end of the hike is because towards the peak it is basically just rock which makes the trail hard to see. That being said, there is a monument at the top that makes it easy to figure out where you should be headed so that helps to guide you the last bit of the way to the summit! Overall we loved it and can't wait to go back! Highly recommend!

    Top of the peak!!! I made it!! My first peak ever!!
    Hannah S.

    This hike has taken the top spot of my fave local hikes, hands down! It's the highest peak in the Santa Monica range and the views are just breathtaking. At one point I had to stop and take it all in and it was then that I suddenly realized I was looking right at the Pacific ocean lol! You can see absolutely everything it seems like - the SGV, the "valley", Malibu - you get it all here! This was also my first peak - and it's a really great one if you're looking for a first one to see what it's like - it's a relatively short "peak hike" - AllTrails says 3 miles but we did closer to 4 miles actually. And we gained just over 1000 feet in the first 1 3/4 miles - so it's definitely steep. I'd call it a moderate trail, but the last tiny bit up to the peak is definitely advanced. It's a steep rock face and doesn't have a well-defined path - and there aren't too many good foot holes - we did a lot of butt scooting - especially on the way down haha! The trail itself has lots of rocks and gravel too. The rain has caused some washed out areas - but the path is well maintained and wide enough to find decent areas to walk. And there's no people (we got there at 830am on a Monday)!! We only saw 2 other hikers right at the end for about 2 minutes and then 1 mountain biker coming up and that was it! It was so peaceful and quiet! Amazing! We even saw a large group of California Quail and a Red Tailed Hawk! It was super windy - especially at the peak. There was no ice or snow, but with the current weather pattern, it was absolutely FREEZING!! Luckily I planned ahead and brought gloves bc I did really need them. My fingers, legs, butt and face were all numb after being up at the peak! So check the weather before you go. And with the wind, I'm really glad I left my hat at home - it's crazy at the peak - be super aware bc it'll blow you down! I think poles will be helpful maybe coming down from the peak part - I brought a pole but never ended up using it. So I could take it or leave it - but it may help. Definitely be sure to have good hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip - you're gonna need it for the rock scrambling up to the peak. At the peak, there's a nice plaque in memory of a Boy Scout troop founder (the peak is also named "Mt Allen" for him). And there's a little box built into the bottom of the plaque that holds some pens and the registry for you to sign when you make it up to the peak! People have put all sorts of stuff in there - some of it funny and cool but some kind of cringe (I found a condom in there but at least it was still in the packaging haha)! There's plenty of parking right at the trailhead in a gravel lot. The road driving in is a little scary - lots of switchbacks with steep drops to one side and rock slide areas all around - so be careful. There's also pretty decent and well kept bathrooms and a trail map. The parking and trails are all well marked. The only time we got a little unsure of where to go was up close to the peak - it's not clear exactly what the best way up is so you just have to be brave and go for it!

    Parking lot
    Shanelle S.

    Moderate to strenuous trail to the highest spot in the Santa Monica Mountains (3133ft elevation). There's free parking available if you input Sandstone Peak trailhead. You could also park at the Mishe Mowka trailhead but that lot was a bit smaller and had more people. There are two bathrooms available at the Sandstone trailhead. You can opt to go clockwise for a shorter but steeper ascent, or counterclockwise for a longer but more gradual ascent. The trail connects to others like the Secret Grotto and the Balanced Rock trail. Note that the latter is a trail that's not maintained by the NPS so it's overgrown. The trail is rocky and to get up to the peak, you might need to strategically rock climb (in the loosest sense). Wear hiking boots, sneakers work give you good traction. There's little shade so wear sunscreen and bring a hat. Dogs are allowed on the trail. No permits are required to hike. You'll most likely not have signal so bring a map / check the trail beforehand. Overall, the trail provides a great workout and the opportunity to enjoy some fresh air away from the crowds.

    Azelle B.

    One of the prettier hikes in Malibu, I can just imagine how much more foliage there is during spring! We went Tuesday at 5pm and it was PERFECT! There were barely any people on the trail, tons of parking and the sunset was gorgeous. It was roughly 5mi from the parking until Inspiration Point which took us 2 hours back and forth. It was a fairly easy hike except for the first 500miles which was all uphill. The toilet area was closed but there were available portalets in place which was fairly clean.

    sherry u.

    Good hiking trails; gorgeous views. Free parking- portable restroom in parking lot but no hand washing station available. Trails can be steep in places and rocky- be mindful of steps. Not much shade so plan accordingly. Dogs on leash allowed.

    Karen L.

    This is a great hike for moderate to advanced level hikers. The trail head is about a mile past the circle X Ranch on the left side of Yerba Buena road (if you're coming from PCH). It is a 5.7 mile loop with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet. Be aware that there is very little shade on this hike so bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. On the way up you will pass Echo Cliffs which is a sheer rock wall, and you will probably see rock climbers scaling it which is pretty cool. There are large, oddly shaped sandstone rock outcroppings everywhere. The trail is mostly loose gravel and rocks so it is best to wear proper hiking boots as opposed to fitness shoes. The trail was closed until January due to the massive fires last year. There are still-standing burnt trees and shrubs everywhere, but the black limbs actually look stunning against the blue sky and new growth that is popping out everywhere. As a matter of fact, I have never seen so many beautiful wildflowers on a hike this late in the year. When you reach the top and realize you are at the highest point the Santa Monica Mountains at over 3400 feet, you will definitely have a feeling of accomplishment while wiping the sweat and dust off your face.

    Sierra and Ruby on the road (Facebook)

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    Ask the Community - Sandstone Peak

    Review Highlights - Sandstone Peak

    To catch the sunrise above the clouds, we left home around 4:00 AM and got to the trailhead by 5:00.

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    Malibu Wine Hikes

    Malibu Wine Hikes

    4.9(1.7k reviews)
    6.0 mi
    Eco-friendly
    Luxury

    We had the best time here! My partner and I loved everything about it. Everyone was so friendly,…read moreand the hike was easy and very doable. We even got to see animals and pet them, which made the experience even more special. The wine was SO good--I'm usually not a fan of canned wine, but theirs was amazing. It's such a shame they don't sell it because I would've bought a whole case. Our guide was incredible--so fun and knowledgeable. The entire place is beautiful, clean, and very well kept. We truly loved everything about this experience and highly recommend it!

    From beginning to end, it was an incredible experience, well worth the price, the time, and the…read moredrive. The staff was incredible friendly, and our tour guide, Stephanie, was knowledgeable, friendly, and made this so exciting for our whole group! My wife and I were paired in a VW Bus with another family of four (so be prepared to socialize some!), and we all had a great time. On this experience, you'll get some incredible views, some interactive moments throughout the farm/winery, a little bit of history, and a lot of great wine. For the VW Bus tour, you'll get a charcuterie spread, and share several bottles of wine with your group. For those prone to altitude sickness (since the tour takes place higher above sea level) make sure to ask for some water, or even bring your own hydroflask or water bottle to stay hydrated. If you're looking for an interesting new experience to take up a couple hours of your weekend or day off, this is the place.

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    Malibu Wine Hikes - 4x4 stop in the garden

    4x4 stop in the garden

    Malibu Wine Hikes - Malibu Wine Hikes

    Malibu Wine Hikes

    Malibu Wine Hikes - Messing around on the 7 passenger 4x4

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    Messing around on the 7 passenger 4x4

    Corral Canyon Park - view from midpoint ~you can see malibu seafood down below

    Corral Canyon Park

    4.3(74 reviews)
    12.7 mi

    Beautiful hike! You can't beat the views!…read more I wanted to check Corral Canyon for a while in Malibu and went recently for my birthday. We parked on the PCH passed Malibu Seafood (watch where you park, cops are serious in this area, they were hunting to give tickets to people when we went!). We walked into Malibu Seafood parking lot, there is a sign and you start a hike. You can check various trails, we stayed on the main path, which is tight and there is vegetation on both sides, so long pants are important as is sunscreen and water due to lack of shade. There weren't too many people, the views are incredible, the Pacific ocean shines in the horizon and Malibu coastline is gorgeous. We saw a few hawks flying above. We stayed on the trail, the chimney comes up fast, then kept going for a while and we did take a left at the fork and the views got better and better! Whatever trail you take, you won't get lost since this is a loop. Around 2 miles hike, not easy, but not strenuous, I'd call it moderate, good exercise, but not too hard. I can't take the images of the view out of my head. I'd do the hike it again in a heartbeat! It was a great way to spend my birthday! And of coursed we rewarded ourselves at Malibu Seafood with a nice meal since this b-day girl deserved it with the hike and all!

    Amazing hike. Been doing this one for a few years now. Only did the full loop once because we lazy…read more Parking is paid with Porto potties. Or you can park on pch right next to the Malibu seafood place for free. If you come before 9 you should be ok. Make sure you have a front license plate!! We got a ticket once for not having one.. crazy. Very dog friendly hike, lots of hills so it's not easy, well marked trails. We like going right for everything. There's a small stream crossing due to all the rain so it's possible your feet may get wet and the dogs will be filthy. Make sure you give them flea and tick medicine! We went on February thinking it was ok, cold rainy... came home and there was a tick on my dogs ear!! Fun hike overall! Trail just keeps going up so you don't get that gratification until you make it to the tip for the whole loop

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    Corral Canyon Park
    Corral Canyon Park
    Corral Canyon Park

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    El Matador State Beach - Sunset through the rocks

    El Matador State Beach

    4.4(514 reviews)
    6.0 mi

    So be warned that parking is limited and also expensive, even if you want a quick little stop. We…read morewent super early on a week day so there was no one else there. Also the porta potty had no toilet paper. So not sure what the parking fees are upkeeping. Anyway, the beach itself is really pretty. The walk down is a little touch with stand on a steep slope so you have to be careful. But it's worth it for the views. It's a very romantic spot.

    El Matador Beach is truly one of the most beautiful spots along the California coast, and it never…read morefails to impress. Walking along the sandy beach, surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs and sea caves, feels like stepping into a postcard. The ocean views are breathtaking, the sound of the waves is calming, and there are so many little hidden nooks to explore. It is also an amazing location for a photo shoot if you have a permit, with the cliffs, natural arches, and golden sunsets providing endless opportunities for beautiful shots. The only reasons I gave it three stars are practical. Parking is expensive, which can be frustrating when all you want to do is enjoy the natural beauty. If you want to do professional photography, you also need a paid permit, which adds to the cost. On top of that, there are lots of stairs to get down to the beach, so it can be challenging for anyone with mobility issues or small children. Despite these drawbacks, I keep coming back because the scenery here is truly unmatched. Whether it's strolling along the sand, exploring the rock formations, or just sitting and enjoying the view, El Matador Beach captures the essence of California's coastline. It's a stunning, iconic location that I would recommend visiting at least once, just be prepared for the stairs and parking fees.

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    El Matador State Beach - Rocks and birds

    Rocks and birds

    El Matador State Beach - Rocks

    Rocks

    El Matador State Beach - Cool rock structure

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    Cool rock structure

    Sandstone Peak - hiking - Updated May 2026

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