For our final group hike of 2024, on this weekend of the Winter solstice, we are going all in.
Whether you’re a plant fiend, a geology geek (pls dm us if you are), or just appreciate a good view, the Mishe Mokwa loop trail to Sandstone Peak is one of any LA hiker’s most sacred routes and you’ll soon find out why. In caring collaboration with our trail angel Justin Rimon of the most benevolent Just Trek hiking crew, we’re lacing up our boots, donning our headlamps, and sharing a sunset upon the highest peak of the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean and West Valley.
Come prepped for the long drive out near Malibu & a trail that will lead us just over 7mi’s of scenic bliss. We’ll make some stops along the way, post up on the peak for sunset, share tea and good times, and make a good chunk of the day of it. As always, we’ll also speak on both the natural and Chumash history of the region and learn to identify some of the native plants along the way.
There is a restroom in the trailhead parking lot, but please come as prepared as can be with plenty of water, a flashlight, and wear comfortable hiking shoes for the occasion! A google map pin drop for our meeting location will be emailed with your RSVP & feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Big love for Just Trek for guiding this one with us!! ⛰
Reminder: Check the drive time nice and early and leave room for traffic. We’re on a tight sunset schedule so will be gracing the trail at 1:45p sharp.
Having lived in Los Angeles for 15+ years and extensively experiencing the underground dance scene, entertainment industry, music + nightlife event circuit, and foodie scenes, the one thing that Justin never got to experience was the great outdoors in LA and Southern California. Justin stopped being a competitive B-Boy (aka breakdancer) and event producer in the street dance community for several years and the absence of dance in his life left a void in him. That very absence of dance led him eventually to trekking. Back in April 2017, it was a sunset trek on top of Sandstone Peak - the tallest mountain in all of the Santa Monica mountains (Malibu) that truly inspired him and opened up Justin’s mind to the powerful feeling that he wanted to explore everything the LA outdoors had to offer. It gave him the same feeling he first felt when he discovered dance. Since 2017 Justin has completed notable challenges and treks such as the #52HikeChallenge, #SixPackOfPeaks Challenge, Mount Whitney, Iron Mountain (Big Iron), San Gorgonio, Cactus to Clouds, Half Dome, and many more.
Justin’s new journey inspired him to launch a new creative endeavor and passion project entitled “Just Trek” which is an Outdoor + Lifestyle Podcast, an LA based hiking group, and a blog. He aims to inspire, motivate, and elevate others to a higher state of well being through adventurous conversations, curated outdoor experiences, and engaging + informative online content. Elevation is his new recreation.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Noah Klein (Noah The Naturalist) has built their life exploring the sonic interconnectedness of all beings. Whether plants or people, deep time or shared space, they fundamentally seek to share stories of resilience and self-determination.
A lifelong organizer of many community-minded projects (FMLY, Silent Barn, Printed Matter’s Art Book Fairs, Ambient Church, Floating), they most recently co-founded the worker-owned Living Earth arts organization, host a seasonal show on dublab documenting histories of interdependent arts spaces, run a small tape label, occasionally play in the band Mutual Benefit, received their California Naturalist certification in 2022, and are probably playing flute in your local park at this very moment.
As a hiking enthusiast, Noah has summited Mount Whitney, backpacked through much of the Southern California wilderness, and is one of a handful to have thru hiked the entire Santa Monica Mountain Range.