Backbone Trail – Inspiration Point to Sandstone Peak – Mishe Mokwa Trail Loop
DESCRIPTION: This is a beautiful hike in the Santa Monica Mountains with minimal shade along the trail. We will tackle the loop counterclockwise, navigating the trail’s continuous climbs and descents over uneven terrain, giving it a roller-coaster feel. At times, you may need to scramble over rocks, so trekking poles are recommended. Along the way, we will pass Split Rock and the Balancing Rock while we take in the striking sandstone formations, and enjoy sweeping views from both Sandstone Peak and Inspiration Point. We will stop for a snack break at Inspiration Point, and for those who wish to summit Sandstone Peak, it will involve a short climb with a little rock scrambling. The effort is rewarded with incredible panoramic views from the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains.
DETAILS:
· Hike leader volunteer(s): Michele E
· Meet: Trailhead at & 7:15 am Leave at 7:30am Sharp
· Distance: Approximately 6.0 miles.
· Elevation gain: Approximately 1,354feet.
· Time: 3.5 hours hiking including a snack break.
· Conditioning: You need to be in good physical condition.
· Dogs: Dogs are allowed if well behaved on a leash
· Restrooms: There is an Andy Gump in the parking area.
· Parking – There is a medium-sized parking lot and additional parking along the road.
IMPORTANT NOTES: We will hike at a moderate steady pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. Hiking may be hazardous due to uneven footing, stream crossings, exposures, snakes, bugs, poison oak, etc. Please be aware of your abilities and their limits. You are responsible for your own safety and well-being. This event may be cancelled due to any inclement weather or other conditions.
ESSENTIAL GEAR: Hiking boots and poles. Clothing layers are recommended. Snacks and 3+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Hat and sunscreen.
The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 3, Intermediate/Advanced (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the CHC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a brisk pace?
CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
1. Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
3. Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.
TRAILHEAD LOCATION: Parking lot, Backbone Trail, Malibu, CA 90265
NAVIGATION: We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to.
The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization. We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via: Cash contribution (at each hike), or via Zelle at 6617135610; or via Venmo at @Heidi-Webber-5
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY – IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.
