sandstone peak via mishe mokwa
last weekend a couple good friends and i grabbed some backpacks, water, and some really cool hats to hike up to sandstone peak. it's the tallest point of the santa monica mountains in the malibu canyon sitting at 3,111 feet. from the top-and on a clear day-you can see mount baldy, the valley, and catalina all from the same spot. the trail itself starts from a dirt lot about 1 mile east of the circle x ranch on yerba buena road. follow the mishe mokwa trail signs for a 6 mile, 3-4 hour, 1,500 elevation change hike.
although the hike was amazing, the views spectacular, and the company unmatched, our favorite part of the day was eating a late dinner at the natural cafe in westlake village. you'll have to check out my facebook page to see the awesome hats, but here's one view from the top:
the observatory: for observing things
The Griffith Park Observatory is quickly becoming a favorite place of mine to walk up to, and then back down. Today I brought my camera, these are some of the things that I saw:
runyon canyon hiking trails
having hiked runyon canyon a few times now, i feel like i can write a constructive thing or two about the trail. the two main entrances are: mulholland drive to the north end, and fuller avenue to the south. each time i've gone i've used the fuller avenue entrance. my recommendations for parking are to the west of franklin/fuller on franklin avenue in the marked white box. parking is 2 hours max, no permit required. you should bring your own water, but in case you forget, you can buy drinks and snacks at a stand at the entrance to the trail.
there are paved portions of the trail due to fire road access and residences within the canyon. immediately upon entering there is a grassy area to the west, used frequently for sunning, yoga, and recovery. it's all up hill from here...
almost immediately the trail splits to the left and straight ahead. left will be less huff and puff, mostly paved, and dogs on leash required. straight ahead will take you on a mostly dirt trail, some scenic view points of the entirety of los angeles, a wicked stair section (marked in the red box on the right on the map), and is dogs off leash. either way you go, it will put you right back to where you started. it's really a matter of if you want to be walking down the staircase, or up it! :)
the left red portion on the map above is the less traveled --and the steepest--part of runyon canyon. if crowds aren't your thing, the west trail is much more secluded. getting to it isn't obvious, but keep your eyes peeled for a narrow switch back or two along the left fork. i think you can also get to it by cutting across the grassy field immediately after entering the park.
hazards: snakes, coyotes, other peoples' dogs, poo, and steep terrain.