Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak and Mishe Mokwa Trail Loop

Recommend this trail for a lower key, low traffic hike with some great views (even when there’s cloud cover). I went when there were wildflowers growing around the burnt trees from the wildfires. It was surreal beauty.

Fantastic hike I took the loop clockwise which might be a little more difficult but it’s a great hill climb. Lots of things to check out and some spectacular views. Bring proper shoes when doing this hike.

The wildflowers were spectacular. It was a very overcast/foggy day, but kept it cool. No view from the Sandstone peak.

I followed the all trails map... beautiful views....I went out hard and took the easy way back through the canyon....loved it!

First time on this trail. If your thinking of doing this loop.. it’s a tough uphill climb..a little downhill and uphill again.. loose rocks every where.. The positive!! Outstanding views.. breathtaking.. although this was a very tough ride..it was well worth it.. loved it.. Not recommended for riders.. way too technical!

one of the best trails in socal. amazing views of ocean, mountains and city.

Amazing trail, would do again! Probably my favorite hike in SoCal so far. The road to the trailhead says “closed road to public” but we took it anyway and had no problems. The plant life is still gorgeous despite the wildfire remains. Great views the whole way! Hiking up Sandstone Peak first was a good idea. It’s vigorous right off the bat but you get a nice gradual decline the rest of the way after. The trail was very well kept and easy to follow. We ran out of time to get up close to Balancing Rock but the trail still take you right past it!

I don’t know how these other people got there but I took Yerba Buena road off of Highway 1 and the road was closed. Edit: So Yerba Buena road is closed if you’re taking it from highway 1 but I took 23 to another road and made it to the trailhead. The trail was amazing and pretty easy. Only the first .3 miles were kinda steep and the last .1 mile, everything else was very easy to walk. This was an amazing trail and I will do it again

This trail was beautiful, pretty easy.

Trail is open..beautiful views!

I like this trail. Ps, drove around the Conejo Valley after it snowed today and saw all kinds of snow on sandstone.

Still a beautiful hike, despite the burn. The running water adds a nice touch! The burn extends to Tripeaks and throughout the Backbone Trail (Chamberlain section). Some small trees were saved but it will take several years to regenerate. Recent snow was great.

Absolutely great hike, after the fires there is no foliage, after the rains lots of streams, waterfalls, little river crossings etc.

Trail is open, I went 1/27/19. There is not shade due to the fire everything got burn. @fitkatra

Does anyone know if this and/or the Grotto trail are back open? I'd love to check at the Grotto after all the recent rain fall!

Sandstone peak is all time for short hikes with an awesome view. Especially when it’s clear. Always pretty quiet during the weekdays also. Hiked this the day before the Woolsey fire came through.. Saw the Oaks fire start while sitting at Tri Peaks Point.

Does anyone know when this trail will be open again?

CLOSED: Went up there today to see what condition it was in. The park ranger told me it would be closed for about another week, as the threat of mudslides is too great with forthcoming weather and downed trees that need to be removed from the trail.

We have hiked this trail many times and loved it every time. Unfortunately the Woolsley Fire burned the trail.

Love this hike, it’s a great challenge, has some seriously beautiful lookouts and is typically a low crowd. The rock is really cool and it takes a Little Rock scrambling but very doable. Hiking boots recommended. Bring water and keep track of trail bc it’s not clearly marked in some spots.

Beautiful hike!

Great hike on the main trail into Sandstone Peak- gradual ascent, some minor scrambling, not too many rocks. Wonderful views across to Channel Islands from Sandstone, but a lot of scrambling and sharp rocks to get there- great for the experience, but not something to repeat often.

I have completed the trail in each direction

New to Southern California and couldn't seem to find a hike comparable to those in Oregon. However, this trail changed everything. I did the whole loop and took the detour out to Tri peaks (which i'd highly recommend). The trail is diverse and has the most amazing views almost the entire time. Loved every second of this trail and I'd HIGHLY recommend it to anyone looking to get out on a good hike.

Loved every step of this hike! Gorgeous views.

Did this hike on Sunday morning. The weather was just perfect! once you reach inspiration point, it's all worth it. the Fog added to to adventure. so much to see and to do! I recommend this hike early morning. for more of my adventure check out my i.g - Skyhighhiking