Sandstone Peak Loop - 6mi 1400'

Mishe Mokwa Trail, Circle X Ranch

Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1400 ft
Hike time: 3.5 hours

Self portrait.

Near the top.

Start out along Mishe Mokwa Trail through grotto and unusual cliff formation, including Balanced Rock. Continue along the Backbone Trail. This fire road ascends to Sandstone Peak, then descends to the trailhead.

Directions: Exit on Westlake Blvd from the 101 Freeway, and follow it south for several miles as it merges with Mulholland highway. Turn right onto Little Sycamore Canyon and it will become Yerba Buena Road. (From Pacific Coast Highway take Yerba Buena Road about 5 ½ miles.)Proceed on Yerba Buena Road for about 4 miles to trailhead (about a mile before you hit the Circle X Ranch Ranger Station).

Runyan Canyon Loop - 3.5mi 700'

Hollywood Hills

Distance: 3.5 miles

Elevation gain: 700 feet

Hike time: <2 hours

Views of the Hollywood sign, downtown L.A., Beverly Hills, Century City and Universal City. How many different dogs can you spot on this hike? You see the hollywood starlet with dogs smaller than our cat Misto and dogs that look like they could take us. And if you have to pee we recomend the DSW on Hollywood off of La Brea.
Directions: From the top take Laurel Cyn, left on Mulholland about 2.5 miles and you'll see a free parking lot with a sign identifying Runyan Park. From the bottom take Franklin to Fuller and hope you can find street parking.

Free yoga from 10:30-11:30am in the park at the bottom.

Calabasas Peak - 4mi 1000'

Calabasas, Santa Monica Mtns

Distance: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 1000 feet

Hike time: >2 hours

Most of the way is uphill with a few chances to rest in the shade. Once you reach the top there is place to sit and enjoy the view.
Directions: Take 101, exit and go south on Topanga Canyon Blvd, right at Mulholland Dr., left at Mulholland Hwy and drive about 5 miles. Turn left at Stunt Rd and drive about 1 mile (look for the 1mile marker). Free street parking - trailhead across the street.

Eagle Rock Loop - 5mi 800'

Topanga State Park, Santa Monica Mtns
Trippet Ranch - Musch Ranch Loop

Distance: 5 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 800 feet

Hike time: 2.5 hours

The trailhead is located at the end of the parking lot by the picnic area. Follow the trail uphill a short distance to a posted junction. Take Eagle Springs Road-the left trail. 0.5 miles along this gradual uphill trail, you will pass the Santa Ynez Canyon Trail on the right. Continue on the fire road up to Eagle Rock... keep an eye out for cyclists.

Take a break at the top and check out the cave graffiti art. From Eagle Rock, return to Trippet Ranch via the Musch Ranch Trail. Take this footpath to the right as it winds down to the creek bottom through lush foliage and dense oak, sycamore, and laurel woodland. Two miles down this trail is a junction at the Musch Ranch Campground. Follow the trail sign and walk across the meadow. Turn left a short distance ahead at an unmarked junction and left again at a second unmarked junction. The trail winds back down to the Topanga parking lot.

Directions: South on Topanga Canyon Blvd about 4 miles and make a left on Entrada Road. (From Santa Monica, drive 4 miles north on PCH, right on Topanga Canyon Blvd and continue 4.6 miles, make a right on Entrada Road.) Drive about 1 mile to Topanga State Park. Parking available on the street or in the parking lot for a small fee.