Boney Peak Trail
Conquer challenging trails in the Santa Monica Mountains for breathtaking summit views, often above the clouds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, softer light
Boney Peak Trail
Best Time
Cooler temps, softer light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer challenging trails in the Santa Monica Mountains for breathtaking summit views, often above the clouds.
"Worth the hardship for adventurers seeking a satisfying workout and soul-stirring summit."
Pack extra water!
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes. Some sections are exposed and can get hot.
Wear protective clothing
Long sleeves and pants are recommended due to overgrown trails and loose rocks.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 15 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boney Peak Summit
Summit
Reach the highest point for panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains and beyond.
Sandstone Peak Views
Sandstone Peak
Experience breathtaking vistas, sometimes above the clouds, offering a unique perspective.
Challenging Terrain
Various sections
Test your endurance on steep ascents and descents with loose rocks and uneven paths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack extra water!
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes. Some sections are exposed and can get hot.
Wear protective clothing
Long sleeves and pants are recommended due to overgrown trails and loose rocks.
Check the fog forecast
Summit views can be obscured by fog. Aim for clear days for the best experience.
Sturdy footwear is key
The terrain can be rough with loose rocks, so good hiking shoes are essential.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack extra water!
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes. Some sections are exposed and can get hot.
Wear protective clothing
Long sleeves and pants are recommended due to overgrown trails and loose rocks.
Check the fog forecast
Summit views can be obscured by fog. Aim for clear days for the best experience.
Sturdy footwear is key
The terrain can be rough with loose rocks, so good hiking shoes are essential.
Consider a training hike
This trail is great for testing yourself and preparing for more challenging hikes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers praise Boney Peak Trail for its challenging terrain and rewarding summit views, offering a great workout and stunning panoramas on clear days. However, the trail can be overgrown and rocky, and fog frequently obscures the vistas, leading some to suggest checking conditions beforehand. It's considered a strenuous hike best suited for experienced adventurers.
"about 2-2.5 hours up and down each.
i spent a good hour at the peak waiting for the fog to clear, it never quite did, but what views i did get were beautiful.
go when its not going to be foggy. also wear long sleeve shirts and pants. the 2nd half of the trail can get rough"
O K
"Worth the hike. Great to use as a training run for larger hikes. When starting from the Newbury Park side, I can usually get roughly 10 miles and 3,000 ft. of gain in. Trail is a bit overgrown depending on the time of year. Being plenty of water as some sections are exposed. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Baldy, Catalina, and a couple of the Channel Islands. One of my all time favorites."
Parker Amstutz
"Amazing trek!!! I do not recommend this to ordinary hikers but to adventurers, mountaineers and people looking for a good 6 hour workout. Summiting Boney (Tri Peaks is main trail terminus) is very satisfying to the soul. Bring lots of water, lots of snacks, a trash bag for your refuse so as to not ruin this beautiful wilderness, and a hat. Well worth the hardship"
Jared Bierman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Boney Peak Trail can be accessed from multiple trailheads, including those in Newbury Park. Popular starting points often lead to Sandstone Peak, which is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. Check AllTrails or similar apps for specific trailhead locations and directions.
Public transport options to trailheads near Boney Peak are limited. It's generally recommended to drive to the trailhead. Consider ride-sharing services if you're coming from a nearby city.
Parking availability can vary significantly depending on the trailhead and time of day. Some trailheads may have dedicated parking lots, while others rely on street parking. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Yes, there are several routes to Boney Peak, offering varying lengths and difficulty levels. Some are more direct, while others are longer and more challenging, like those starting from Newbury Park which can be around 10 miles.
Yes, you can access Boney Peak and surrounding areas from Malibu. Some TikTok videos showcase hikes starting from Malibu, often referring to Sandstone Peak. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no permit is required for day hiking on Boney Peak Trail. However, it's always a good idea to check the official website of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area for any current regulations or alerts.
Most trailheads leading to Boney Peak do not have an entrance fee. Parking fees might apply at some designated lots within state parks or recreation areas.
Trails are typically open from sunrise to sunset. It's advisable to start your hike with enough daylight to complete it safely.
Night hiking is generally not recommended due to safety concerns and potential trail closures. Stick to daylight hours for your hike.
You can find detailed trail maps on apps like AllTrails, or on the National Park Service website for the Santa Monica Mountains.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Boney Peak Trail is considered challenging, especially for ordinary hikers. It involves significant elevation gain and can be a good 6-hour workout for adventurers.
The hike can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours round trip, depending on your starting point, fitness level, and how much time you spend at the summit. Some can complete it in under two hours.
On a clear day, you can see stunning panoramic views including Mt. Baldy, Catalina Island, and some of the Channel Islands. However, fog is common and can obscure the views.
The trail can be overgrown depending on the season, and the terrain is often loose with rocks. Proper footwear and caution are advised.
Restroom facilities are typically limited to the trailhead parking areas. It's best to use facilities before you begin your hike.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
Dining options are scarce directly at the trailhead. You'll find restaurants and cafes in nearby towns like Malibu or Thousand Oaks after your hike.
Picnicking is possible at designated areas near trailheads, but it's best to pack out all your trash to preserve the wilderness.
Pack plenty of snacks and high-energy food. Energy bars, trail mix, and fruit are good options for sustained energy during the challenging hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a golden glow. Sunrise hikes can be particularly rewarding.
The summit offers expansive panoramic views, especially when the fog clears. The unique rock formations and the winding trail itself also make for great shots.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks and recreation areas. Check the specific regulations for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. Consider a camera with good low-light performance for sunrise or sunset shots.
Keep an eye out for the unique cloud inversions that sometimes occur, creating an 'above the clouds' effect, which is incredibly photogenic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit