Hike the Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak

Take Yerba Buena road to the trailhead. It is less zigzagged and shorter distance from PCH. Parking is easy provided that you start early in the morning. If the lot is full, you can always park on the side of the road. Bathroom is available at Sandstone Peak Trailhead parking lot, just 0.8 miles before you reach the actual trailhead. You can also park and start your hike there.

There are two trails leading to the peak. You can take the Sandstone Peak Trail if you want a shorter and challenging hike. Mishe Mokwa Trail an easier hike to summit Sandstone Peak. Elevation gain is gradual, trail is well maintained, has ample shade, more scenic views throughout the trail, and offers optional side trips that you can take, if you're up for a longer hike (plus 2 miles). First is the Balanced Rock at around 1.5 miles from the start. Next is the Tri-Peak at around 3 miles followed by Inspiration Point half mile after. The signs for these are easy to catch along the trial. For rock climbing, Echo Cliff is your spot.

At around 4.5 miles, you will see the sign to the peak. The views are amazing and will surely make you come back. There's a notebook where you can sign or write something on the memorial of W. Herbert Allen.

On your way down, make a right to complete the loop via Backbone Trail. It is about a mile to the parking lot. You can then spend the rest of your day by the beach and enjoy the California sunset.