Sandstone Peak

Sandstone Peak, also known as Mount Allen, is a mountain in Ventura County, California. It is the highest summit in the Santa Monica Mountains, with an elevation of 3,114 feet (949 m).^[3] Located near the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the summit provides panoramic views of Malibu, the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica, the Conejo Valley, and four of the Channel Islands.

Sandstone Peak
Mount Allen
Highest point
Elevation	3,114 ft (949 m) NAVD 88[1]
Prominence	2,201 ft (671 m)[1]
Isolation	21.37 mi (34.39 km)
Coordinates	34°07′13″N 118°55′55″W[2]
Geography
Sandstone Peak Location in California Show map of California Sandstone Peak Sandstone Peak (the United States) Show map of the United States
Location	Ventura County, California, U.S.
Parent range	Santa Monica Mountains
Topo map	USGS Triunfo Pass
Climbing
Easiest route	via Backbone Trail and spur, class 2

Background

The peak separates the drier inland valley from the coast facing side with higher humidity.^[4] The Sandstone Peak Trail, which leads to the top, connects to a vast trail system in the area, including the Backbone Trail. The mountain is highly popular with climbers, hikers, campers, and photographers.^[5]

The Boy Scouts of America petitioned the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to name the mountain for W. Herbert Allen, who had donated land for nearby Camp Circle X and other Boy Scout camps. He served as president of the Los Angeles Area Council.^[6] The board denied the request because of a long-standing policy not to approve a geographic name in commemoration of a living person.^[7] The land is now known as the Circle X Ranch, a park unit located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Gallery

A group of hikers atop the summit of Sandstone Peak

The summit of Sandstone Peak features a plaque and guestbook

See also

• Santa Monica Mountains
• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
• List of highest points in California by county
• Backbone Trail
• Chumash people