Trail Run Project Logo

Run along hillsides and through canyons in the Santa Monica Mountains.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.7

Miles

4.4

KM

88%

Runnable

2,713' 827 m

High

2,201' 671 m

Low

618' 188 m

Up

275' 84 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · River/Creek · Spring · Views

Description

This trail starts at the end of a fire road that makes up the first portion of the Sandstone Peak Loop. When the fire road comes to an end 3/10 of a mile from the trailhead and parking area the Mishe Mokwa Trail begins.

The trail gains elevation as it winds around the hillsides of Boney Mountain. Along the way you'll have the chance to catch some views of Triunfo Pass, the historic Chumash trail. The Mishe Mokwa Trail eventually levels off before descending to Carlisle Canyon. At this point there are good views of Balanced Rock.

Moving along the trail will take you further into the canyon to Split Rock, which is home to a picnic area, creek and spring. Leaving Split rock you'll rise out of the canyon and at the highest point you'll see a pyramid-shaped rock called Egyptian Rock straight ahead. Following the trail along it will eventually come to an end soon as it runs into the Backbone Trail, roughly 1.3 miles from the Split Rock Site.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Contacts

Shared By:

John McKinney with improvements by Liz

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 5 votes

#8517

Overall
  4.4 from 5 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#750

in California

#8,517

Overall
21 Views Last Month
971 Since Jul 18, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
75%
0%
25%
0%

Photos

Balanced rock, viewable from afar as well as up close like this. Very cool landmark.
Apr 2, 2015 near Casa Co…, CA
There's little shade in some areas along the trail, so you'll have to navigate its rocky tread in full sun.
Feb 18, 2017 near Casa Co…, CA
Carlisle Canyon facing east from Echo Cliffs
Feb 24, 2018 near Casa Co…, CA
On the trail to Balancing Rock.
Jun 17, 2019 near Casa Co…, CA
Path against side of mountain. Has small amounts of running water coming down mountain, making trail muddy
Mar 26, 2018 near Casa Co…, CA
Hanging Rock above the Echo Cliffs on a cloudy day
Feb 24, 2018 near Casa Co…, CA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 37 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Stewarded By

Welcome

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started