Sandstone Peak (Malibu)

Sandstone Peak (Malibu)

The Sandstone Peak Climb is a premier test of endurance in the Santa Monica Mountains, starting from the iconic Neptune’s Net at the Pacific Coast Highway and ascending nearly 11 miles to the highest point in the range. The climb is celebrated for its steady, rhythmic grade, typically hovering around 5% to 6%, which allows riders to settle into a sustained tempo while navigating over 180 twists and turns. As the road snakes upward, the coastal fog often drops away, revealing spectacular views of the Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands to the west and the rugged, volcanic spires of the Boney Mountain State Wilderness to the east.

As you approach the summit near the Circle X Ranch ranger station, the terrain becomes increasingly "alpine" and exposed, with the wind picking up as the vegetation thins to low chaparral. This section is the heart of the climb, where the road reaches an elevation of over 2,300 feet, making it the highest paved road in the area. Because of its remote location on the western edge of Malibu, the road enjoys significantly less car traffic than nearby canyons, offering a serene, almost meditative experience. For most cyclists, the "Sandstone Peak" effort is the defining feature of the region, often capped off with a high-speed, technical descent back toward the ocean or a grueling extension onto the Mulholland Highway.