Embedded Files
Reviewed by: Mary Eckel, Biology and Chemistry teacher at Los Angeles River School
Location: Sandstone Peak Address: 12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu, CA, 90265
GPS: 34° 6′ 35.75″ N 118° 56′ 14.63″ W
Directions: Take PCH to Neptune's Net Restaurant and make a right. Its a beautiful 15-20 minute drive on a windy, skinny road through the canyon. Eventually you will see the Circle X Ranch Ranger Station on the right. Park here if you plan on hiking to the Grotto. If not continue past about .5 miles and you will see the parking lot on the left where the trail head lies. Map and Directions.
Highlights: Rock Formations, 360 Degree Views, Summit Opportunity
Fun Rating: Super Fun
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 6 miles (Mishe Mokwa Trail); 1.5 miles (Backbone Trail)
Hike Style: Loop
Duration: 3-4 Hours
Elevation Gain: 1400′
Trail Condition: Maintained, Some Washout
Shade: Mixture
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Passes Needed: None
Description: Sandstone peak is the tallest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains, 3111 feet above sea level. Despite its name, Sandstone Peak is not made up of sandstone. It is made up of igneous volcanic rock! It is located near the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The Mishe Mokwa Trail is a six mile loop and is considered a strenuous hike. If you need to save time, Backbone Trail (Sandstone Peak Trail) is a shorter trail (1.5 miles), but has a much steeper incline. Both trails are partially shaded with great views. Remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of water. To help keep students hydrated, try stopping at scenic spots and have a student be the "toast master". Every time there is a toast everyone must drink some water. This is a fun way for everyone on the hike to stop and take in the scenery around them.
Audience:
A biology teacher would benefit from visiting Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monic Mountains Recreation Area. This provides the opportunity to take students out of the classroom. Students will be able to find and identify native plants and understand why plants in a Mediterranean Ecosystem evolved with certain adaptations. Students will
also be able to record authentic data by studying Chamise that have been tagged along the trail.
An environmental science teacher would benefit from visiting Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monic Mountains Recreation Area. This provides the opportunity to take students out of the classroom. Students will be able to find and identify native plants and understand why plants in a Mediterranean Ecosystem evolved with certain adaptations. Students will be able to study Mediterranean Biomes, fire ingredients and evaluating human impact in the Santa Monica Mountains.
An Earth Science teacher would benefit from visiting Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monic Mountains Recreation Area. There is much geology to explore along the trail. The name Sandstone Peak does not describe the rock that forms the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains, instead it is made up of igneous rock.
Science Concepts Addressed:
Ecosystems and Biomes: Students move through a Mediterranean Ecosystem as they hike to Sandstone Peak
Evolution: Students will look at different plants and learn why their certain adaptations are an advantage in this ecosystem.
Geology: Rock types that form along the trail.
Conservation: Students can learn about environmental stewardship and the role they play in keeping the Santa Monica Mountains (and the rest of their environment) healthy and safe.
Biodiversity: Students will observe unique adaptations of many native plants that help aid in the plants ability to survive.
Native Species: Students can see what happens when nonnative species are introduced to an area and how we are trying to removal and restore ecosystems back to the native plants.
Natural Selection: Students will observe how a favorable phenotype helps a species survive in its environment,
Study Guide:
Pre-Trip Activity:
Before taking students on this field trip, they should be prepared cognitively, psychologically and geologically. By having students research the area and look up pictures, they will be better prepared, know what to expect and be more at ease if this is a new experience for them.
Sandstone Peak Research Questions
Activities along the trail: Map Reading and Leadership skills
Trail Leader: Show students how to read a trail map. Give each student a turn to be the "hike leader", carrying the map, compass and leading the way along the trail.
Toastmaster: To help everyone stay hydrated during the hike, assign students to be the toastmaster at different stops. When the "toastmaster" calls for a toast, everyone in the group gathers around, raises their water bottles and takes a drink.
Activity 1: Identifying Adaptations (PDF File):
Students will make observations about the area and the plants around them. In small groups (2-3 students), they will find a plant with the adaptation that is described on their card.
Activity 2: Collecting Data (PDF File)
Students will collect data on Chamise using information from the National Phenology Network and UCSB. When students return to the classroom, they can upload their data onto the National Phenology Network website. In the PDF file there is one link that contains a fact sheet about Chamise, so the students can familiarize themselves with the plant before the field trip. There is another link to the data sheet, which also contains descriptions of each data collection point. The links are also below:
Activity 3: Enjoy nature
When the students reach the top of Sandstone Peak, have them sit silently and take in the moment. Listen for the sounds of nature (recording what they hear in a small notebook). Have them look around and think about where they are and what they are seeing (recording their thoughts and observation in a small notebook).
For additional information:
Addition lesson plans from the National Park Service
NatureBridge (Set up the hike/camping trip and provided trail guides)
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse