December 20th

7.5 miles                    930ft elevation change

I had climbed Exchange Peak in Point Mugu State Park as part of a six-peak circuit of Boney Ridge with the Sierra Club a few weeks ago. After a rainstorm, the clear air had extended an incredible view of Catalina and the Channel Islands. I wanted Deirdre to experience the same vistas. On her previous hike to this peak, the mist was so thick we could hardly see the trail, much less any view! Anticipating clear air for today, after the recent storms, we set off for the Circle X trailhead to Sandstone Peak. There had been reports of snow on Old Baldy which is part of the same range. We are appropriately wrapped for the 48 degree temperature and set off up the trail. The view of the ocean is immediately disappointing. Already it is apparent that the cloud over the ocean will obscure the expected outlook. We decide to change our plan and head for the somewhat more ambitious Tri-Peaks (also part of my recent outing). This should offer an extensive view of the surrounding mountains capped with snow by the aforementioned storm.

San Gabriel Mountains

Already, we can see the peaks of the San Gabriels behind us and the Topatopa Mountains off to the northwest.  Although the air is cold, the sun is warm and we discard our outer layers as we approach the turn off to Sandstone Peak.

Snow!

On its northern flanks there are still patches of snow at around 3,000 feet where the sun has neglected its assigned task. We are passed by two young men who appear excited at the prospect of climbing the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains, Sandstone Peak at 3,111 feet and a mere hundred or so feet above us. We point them on their way, but this is not for us today. We have bigger, although lower, fish to fry.

We pass Boney Peak, and Inspiration Point (also part of my six peak adventure), pass the turn to Exchange Peak,our original destination, and ascend the trail to Tri-Peaks.

Tri-Peaks

The sun glints off our destination peaks as we emerge from chaparral and climb the final rocky slope. It is time for lunch.

While Deirdre enjoys a cup of steaming coffee, I assault the rock wall to enter our name in the Sierra Club log positioned in a “cave” accessible to the stupid and the brave.

There's no pencil!

My macho efforts are in vain – the log is there but no pencil. I have a pen in my pack but I am not doing this twice and besides I want my share of the coffee. The view from Tri-Peaks is stupendous including the previously mentioned ranges and the Oxnard Plain. The ocean view is still very limited by the marine layer, and a haze hangs over the Los Angeles basin. The northward side is obscured by the rock wall I have just ascended.  

After lunch, I lure Deirdre around the corner of our rock outcrop to see this hidden aspect. The way is a little steep and narrow but once around the other side the view is worthwhile. And there a mere half mile or so away is Old Boney! Well, I suggest, we might as well trot over there now we have come this far. Part of my fiendish plot as she would probably have balked if suggested earlier.

The way is a little treacherous – over exposed rock and narrow trail. Just at this critical juncture our daughter Laura calls from San Francisco to discuss Christmas presents. I have to remove all my equipment to search for the damn phone! As my present is not part of the agenda, I roughly suggest that as we are climbing a mountain perhaps we could talk later.

Squeeze

Although we can see the final trail before us we need to descend before climbing the Dome. There is one more obstacle, a crawl through a narrow hole in the rock, but once through we are almost in the clear. Rather than enjoy the 360 degree panorama opening before us, Deirdre is contemplating the return. However, all is forgotten as we reach the peak and she is secretly pleased with herself for having made it. 

Old Boney - I made it!

 There are a couple of other groups on the massif. They have approached from the more usual route from the north via the Olde Cabin Site and seem impressed by our arrival, they being considerably our juniors. While we are well wrapped, at least one of the girls is somewhat scantily clad, brrr. We have the Dome itself to our own for a while, rest and enjoy the view. There is no snow on the peak, but again minor pockets in the shaded areas. Deirdre’s attention returns to the means of our retreat. She seems anxious to take the route I had followed just that few weeks ago. While this promises a short cut, I advise against it as some steep bushwhacking is involved. My recommendation is somewhat skewed by my lack of confidence in finding the route!

The way back to Tri-Peaks proves easier than the outward leg and we soon regain this peak and descend to the meadow below. Here we join the Mishe Mokwa Trail which will eventually take us back to the parking lot. We are very familiar with this final part and the journey is fairly uneventful. We stop at the picnic table at Split Rock for cake.

Balanced Rock

Here there is a patch of vegetation smothered in dozing lady bugs – by the thousands! We meet a few late afternoon walkers on their way out, but there is no sign of the usual rock climbers on Echo Cliffs across Carlisle Canyon. Balanced Rock retains its perch high above the canyon.

We guess at the temperature on our return and are both way off on the high side, the car gauge reading fifty-one degrees. We have had a most enjoyable hike and although tired feel a sense of accomplishment. The elevation change may be just 900 feet or so but we have climbed well in excess of 2,000 feet given the undulating nature of our route. As a reward, I promise to cook dinner.