Mishe Mokwa/Sandstone Peak Loop Hike

Mishe Mokwa/Sandstone Peak Loop Hike

Description: This is a beautiful but moderately difficult hike through Circle X Ranch that provides constantly changing views. It starts with the narrow Mishe Mokwa trail on one wall of a canyon, with the Echo Cliffs and Balanced Rock on the other side. About half way through the terrain opens up when it comes into the floor of a broad valley. Most of this trail will be gentle climbing. The Backbone trail is broader but steeper, first up to Sandstone Peak, and then back down. Because the Backbone is close to the ridgeline there will be frequent views of the ocean and also into the hills behind Simi Valley. Because the Mishe Mokwa trail is closed to bikes and horses, this loop is for hikers only!

Ride Statistics	Explanation of technical ratings
Ratings: , HO Distance: 5,9 miles Climb: 1450 feet Descent: 1450 feet	HO means 'The trail is for hikers only; bikes and equestrians are not allowed'

Directions to the Trailhead (Mishe Mokwa Trailhead): The Mishe Mokwa Trailhead is on Yerba Buena Rd in the Circle X Ranch area and near Sandstone Peak. From the 101 Freeway, exit at the Westlake Blvd and head south. Westlake Blvd turns into Decker Rd. About 5 miles past Potrero Road, turn west onto Mulholland Hwy, then right onto Little Sycamore Canyon Rd. At the Ventura County line, this becomes Yerba Buena, which you follow to the parking area. It's about 4.8 miles from Decker Rd to the parking area.

Step	Trail Name [Trail Number]	Instructions	Leg Details			Total Miles
			Dist (miles)	Climb (feet)	Desc (feet)

1	Mishe Mokwa Trail [2]	From the parking area on the north side of Yerba Buena Rd, head north-west up the somewhat rocky Mishe Mokwa Trail [2]	0.4	210	0	0.4
2	Mishe Mokwa Trail [2]	Continue straight past the Connector to Backbone Trail that comes in from a sharp angle on the left, continuing to the Backbone Trail	2.7	700	300	3.1
3	Backbone Trail, Circle X Ranch Segment [1]	At the Backbone Trail, Circle X Ranch Segment [1], turn left to head back towards the start	1.2	420	140	4.3
4	Backbone Trail, Circle X Ranch Segment [1]	The Sandstone Peak Trail will be on the right, starting with some stairs. If you like, take this short spur to the top. Return and continue on eastward	1	70	750	5.3
5	Mishe Mokwa Backbone Connector [2b]	The connector trail goes straight when the Backbone trail heads right around a switchback. Go straight onto the Mishe Mokwa Backbone Connector [2b]	0.17	50	50	5.5
6	Mishe Mokwa Trail [2]	At the Mishe Mokwa Trail [2], turn sharply right and head back down to the start.	0.4	0	210	5.9

This page was generated on February 19, 2006