Sandstone Peak

Sandstone Peak
Mount Allen
Highest point
Elevation3,114 ft (949 m) NAVD 88[1]
Prominence2,201 ft (671 m)[1]
Isolation21.37 mi (34.39 km)
Coordinates34°07′13″N 118°55′55″W / 34.120314°N 118.93198°W / 34.120314; -118.93198[2]
Geography
Sandstone Peak is located in California
Sandstone Peak
Sandstone Peak
Location in California
Sandstone Peak is located in the United States
Sandstone Peak
Sandstone Peak
Sandstone Peak (the United States)
LocationVentura County, California, U.S.
Parent rangeSanta Monica Mountains
Topo mapUSGS Triunfo Pass
Climbing
Easiest routevia Backbone Trail and spur, class 2

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.

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.

A group of hikers atop the summit of Sandstone Peak
The summit of Sandstone Peak features a plaque and guestbook

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Sandstone Peak, California". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  2. ^ "Sandstone Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  3. ^ McAuley, Milt (1998). Hiking Trails of the Santa Monica Mountains. Canyon Pub Co. Pages 85 and 96. ISBN 978-0942568288.
  4. ^ Citygate Associates, Inc. (23 October 2019). "Appendix A". DRAFT: Woolsey Fire After Action Report (Report). County of Los Angeles. p. 1. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  5. ^ "Sandstone Peak - Sierradescents.com Hiking". Seirradescents.com - The Santa Monicas. Retrieved 1 April 2011.
  6. ^ "Petition to rename mountain". 1 September 1981. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  7. ^ "Letter denying petition". 10 May 1965. Retrieved 22 February 2014.


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