Circle X Ranch

Sandstone Peak, the highest point (3,111 feet) in the Santa Monica Mountains, is one of the highlights to this 1,655-acre state park. The east side of this long trail loop (nearly 6 miles) puts on a great springtime show of blooming wildflowers including ceanothus, monkey flower, nightshade, Chinese houses, wild peony, wild hyacinth, morning glory, and phacella. By mid-spring, the sound of honeybees among the wildflowers is almost deafening. On the northeast side you get a spectacular view of Balanced Rock, an immense boulder balanced atop the opposite wall of the deep canyon below. Split Rock, at the northern flank of the trail, is a fractured volcanic rock with a crack wide enough to walk through. This locale includes a creek and spring and is shaded by large oak and sycamore trees. The west side of the trail is dry, rocky and somewhat uneventful. On the southern flank, at Inspiration Point and especially Sandstone Peak you get a panoramic view of distant mountain ranges, Ventura County, Los Angeles Basin, and the island-dimpled surface of the ocean occupying 360 degrees of the horizon. Bring plenty of water and some trail snacks.

Directions & Maps

Hiking pictures - May