Sandstone Peak, standing at 3,111 feet, is the tallest point in the Santa Monica Mountains and makes for a serious day hike if you’re up for the challenge. The 6.25-mile loop trail gains 1,075 feet of elevation, so this isn’t a casual stroll—but the payoff is worth every step. From the summit, you get expansive views across the Santa Monica Mountains range that stretch out in nearly every direction. It’s the kind of vista that makes you understand why people hike in this area year after year.

You’ll start at Circle X Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, where parking and trailhead access are available. The path is well-marked throughout, which helps since it’s long enough that you won’t want to second-guess your route. Dogs do well on this trail as long as they’re acclimated to distance hiking and can handle rocky sections. The terrain is a mix of dirt, loose rock, and exposed chaparral, so paw pads can take a beating if your dog isn’t used to it. Bring extra water since shade is minimal once you’re above the chaparral—you’ll be in full sun for much of the hike.

The best time to go is October through April when temperatures stay reasonable. Summer heat makes this hike genuinely unpleasant, and wildfire danger can close the area. Plan for at least four to five hours on the trail depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. The loop option means you won’t backtrack the same route twice, which keeps things interesting.

Most dogs that regularly hike find this doable, though it’s definitely on the harder end of day hikes in Los Angeles County. Bring traction booties if your dog’s paws are sensitive to rock, and don’t skip the sunscreen for exposed patches of their nose and ears. For current trail conditions and any seasonal closures, check hikespeak.com/trails/sandstone-peak/.