Since swell has been in uncharacteristically short supply this Fall, I have had to find things besides surfing with which I can fill my free time. Today, I chose to explore the West end of the Santa Monica Mountains. It is here that you will find Sandstone Peak; at 3,111 feet, it is the tallest point in the Santa Monica range.
Being the closest national recreation area to the city of angeles, these mountains draw in throngs of people looking for a weekend getaway. However, be forewarned, you will not have cell service while exploring this area. (You would be surprised how many people want "a day in nature", only to be frustrated when their phone doesn't work.)
Standing tall just above Los Angeles, the Santa Monicas inhabit a rather arid climate. This dry atmosphere gives them the shrub-covered landscape and protruding boulders we've all come to love. There are, however, still plenty of streams to cross and pools to discover, if you know where to look. This water, unfortunately, is not safe to drink, so be sure to bring plenty with you. Native Coastal Live Oak trees still inhabit these lower lying areas of the mountains, near creeks and rivers. Although, if you are keen to enjoying the sound of running water, you may want to wait until Spring to visit, when Winter rains have swollen streams.
Hiking in this area often involves ups-and-downs... in elevation. Expect to gain between 300 and 1,000+ feet on any given hike. It may sound a bit tiring but remember, the cool blue Pacific is only minutes away, keeping temperatures reasonable.
This is neither an enormous nor remote area. Depending on your personal endurance, it is fairly easy to experience three or four hikes in one day before spending the afternoon at a beach along Malibu's lesser known stretch of coastline. There are trail heads around almost every corner of every road that passes through this small mountain range, leaving endless options for visitors seeking an adventurous hike through the wilderness.
Being the closest national recreation area to the city of angeles, these mountains draw in throngs of people looking for a weekend getaway. However, be forewarned, you will not have cell service while exploring this area. (You would be surprised how many people want "a day in nature", only to be frustrated when their phone doesn't work.)
Standing tall just above Los Angeles, the Santa Monicas inhabit a rather arid climate. This dry atmosphere gives them the shrub-covered landscape and protruding boulders we've all come to love. There are, however, still plenty of streams to cross and pools to discover, if you know where to look. This water, unfortunately, is not safe to drink, so be sure to bring plenty with you. Native Coastal Live Oak trees still inhabit these lower lying areas of the mountains, near creeks and rivers. Although, if you are keen to enjoying the sound of running water, you may want to wait until Spring to visit, when Winter rains have swollen streams.
Hiking in this area often involves ups-and-downs... in elevation. Expect to gain between 300 and 1,000+ feet on any given hike. It may sound a bit tiring but remember, the cool blue Pacific is only minutes away, keeping temperatures reasonable.
This is neither an enormous nor remote area. Depending on your personal endurance, it is fairly easy to experience three or four hikes in one day before spending the afternoon at a beach along Malibu's lesser known stretch of coastline. There are trail heads around almost every corner of every road that passes through this small mountain range, leaving endless options for visitors seeking an adventurous hike through the wilderness.
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