Outside L.A., you can touch the sky

from the August 26, 2005 edition - http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0826/p12s01-litr.html

Peter N. Spotts spent a day in the Santa Monica mountains

Where did you go? A six-mile hike to the best place in the Santa Monica Mountains to touch the sky - Sandstone Peak, north of Malibu, Calif. It's the tallest summit in the range's National Recreation Area.

Where did you stay?

Downtown L.A. On a weekday morning, it took me 90 minutes to reach the trailhead. You can find details at http://www.localhikes.com/ Hikes/MisheMokwa_4472.asp

What did you do?

Walked a lot, took plenty of photos, and enjoyed some sunshine and fresh air, slightly scented with sage. Yes, fresh air; on this day the summit was above the smog layer.

Where did you eat?

Inspiration Point, toward the end of the hike. The menu was spartan - beef jerky, granola bars, and bottled water (bring two or three liters). But the entertainment was hard to beat: A pair of golden eagles soared along the cliffs that line the summit ridge, their shrieks echoing off the mountain's stone faces. There are no railings here so keep a tight grip on small children.

Would you go back?

Absolutely. Reports from other hikers suggest spring may be the best time - the wildflowers put on quite a show. In the summer, allow time after the end of your trek to cool your feet in the Pacific at Leo Carrillo State Park.

• Where have you been? What did you do? Let us know at: Weekend

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