Santa Monica Mountains in 4K | Sandstone Peak | LA and SoCal Hiking

[@adamszew]

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a beautiful chunk of wilderness in Los Angeles County. I've hiked all throughout it, and Sandstone Peak is definitely a hike to remember!

[@ThatLadyBird]

Tip for hiking downhill: try to turn your feet and step sideways on the steeper parts.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Mandy Chamberland Ahh! Good thinking! Thanks for watching--Thomas

[@1962stitch]

Love this video! Felt like I was there with you in my beloved Santa Monica Mountains! I have been hiking there since childhood and I have always done downhill in a semi-squat with my knees flexed, almost like I was going uphill backwards, to control the downward pull of the slope. Oh, and I believe you about that rattler - I saw one that was about 10 feet long once and big around as a man's forearm.

[@no_soy_rubio]

10 feet!!!

[@neversinkoutdoors]

Beautiful filming. Great work! I started having pain in my knees a few years ago when hiking downhill for extend periods with a heavy pack. Three things have helped me mitigate it: hiking poles, strength training (particularly core and glutes-those butt muscles do a ton of work to stabilize the knee), and glute activation before steep hikes. But the hiking poles alone are a huge help.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Neversink Outdoors Thanks! I really do need to invest in some good hiking poles... and maybe find some butt muscles, haha

[@mulchies]

Some really fantastic shots Thomas. Great stuff!

[@AdventureArchives]

+John T. Fisherman Thanks John! Always great to hear from you!

[@eshw23]

+AdventureArchives here from the Normies lol

[@NatureShy]

I use trekking poles. They make going downhill, crossing raging creeks, or climbing over rough rocky terrain much easier. They help by increasing your balance and stability all while helping you burn more calories for less effort. I've hiked all over Oregon, Washington, Canada, Idaho, and California, and I would never go back to not using them. They are sooooo helpful.

[@smetlogik]

4:31 good tip, sounds simple but not a lot of people do that. just got back from a snake hunting trip and we go through lots of small towns in KS, OK, MO and AR. one thing everyone seems to do on the two lane roads is give a wave with the hand when they pass each other. great scenery shots in this one.

[@AdventureArchives]

+smetlogik Thanks Smeltlogik! But for real though, a significant reason for me to return to a place is how nice the other hikers are. I went to hike in downtown Hollywood and I practically swore it off afterwards because of how nasty some of them were.

[@smetlogik]

Makes sense. My hobby takes me to some remote places and towns. I live in a bigger city, so it's always fascinating to see how people in smaller towns seem to laugh a bit harder and enjoy life more. Not so stressed out and in a rush.

[@musicisbrilliant]

THOMAS SOLO HIKES!!!!! These seriously kick butt!!!! Wouldnt complain to see more... :) Thanks you guys. AMAZING!!!

[@AdventureArchives]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoy the shorter videos as well :)

[@RVAHikerGirl]

Did you take the Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak in the loop for 5.7 miles or Mishe Mokwa to Tri Peaks loop for 6.8 or another route? I'm coming from the east coast to hike out this way and want to see what you might recommend? Thanks for your help. Just subbed! ~RVA Hiker Girl~

[@awolexplorer8639]

Trekking poles . They make a huge difference especially on downhill. Without them your knees and ankles will get torn up.

[@moonopulent]

+AWOL Explorer I second that. They keep me more secure so I don't slip and slide.

[@gohanrei]

I agree. Try to get one with shock absorbers / springs so you can shift some of your weight on it as you go downhill. Also, I tend to lean back with my knees bent while striking with the midfoot/balls of my feet. It sounds awkward but the idea is the same as landing from a rebound in basketball. Use your legs as a giant shock absorber. That with the shock absorbing trekking pole and nicely supportive and cushioned footwear should save your legs downhill

[@AdventureArchives]

+AWOL Explorer Great advice. I'm actually picking up a pair after work today. Thanks for watching (and making me blow $60+ on some, haha)!

[@VanlilfewithDaleandBailey]

I really like this one. Short, sweet, and some really beautiful views. Thanks

[@Maximumcarnage2]

I'm going there Saturday! Excited!

[@AdventureArchives]

+Maximumcarnage2 Awesome!!!! Take some pictures and send them our way on our Facebook page! We'd be happy to share them!

[@daisukekaga1278]

You guys have done a great job!! I hope you guys travel more often and hike more places and show us our adventures. Thanks Andrew, Robby, Bryan

[@AdventureArchives]

+Daisuke Kaga Thanks for the kind words! --Thomas

[@TheRyanVillareal]

oh wow I might check this place out tomorrow. Always enjoy these SoCal videos for some inspiration. You guys started me off on the six pack of peaks challenge. Only 3 more to go! Proud to be a Patreon supporter

[@AdventureArchives]

+Ryan Villareal Woo hoo! I'm actually going to be doing Mt. Cucamonga sometime this weekend. How was it when you went?

[@williambeck6364]

Another great video, Thomas. Great shots! Thank You.

[@TailEnd88]

Gorgeous green mountains Morning mist shining brightly New day, it begins

[@pessimistpojken]

Good lord what beautiful imagery. Sometimes I wish I could just take a year to go visit the United States and do all your fantastic hiking trails. Great video as always, I've truly grown to love this channel!

[@finderplays1v1videos34]

Awesome, I really want to travel when im done with school!

[@scottdunbar4898]

A good pair of hiking poles might help you feel more stable on those down hill sections of trail. Thanks for the beautiful video!

[@NatureShy]

If you ever come up and hike in Oregon and Washington, I can guarantee you will find us very friendly and saying, "hi" and such on the trail! :D Some of my favorite places to hike and backpack into (and I've been all over the Northwest) are Mount Rainier National Park, Mount Baker Wilderness, Glacier Peak Wilderness, Mount Adams Wilderness, North Cascades National Park, Mount Jefferson Wilderness, and the Goat Rocks Wilderness. There are so many incredible places to hike here. The wildflowers, the giant, old growth trees, jagged mountains, rugged glaciers, glacial creeks, rainforests, deserts, canyons, lakes, fall colors, and so much more. Washington also has the most rugged mountain range in the lower 48 (a scientific study measured each mountain range and came to that conclusion). The most rugged range is the North Cascades, located within North Cascades National Park, Glacier Peak Wilderness, Sawtooth-Lake Chelan Wilderness, and Mount Baker Wilderness. I highly recommend the Thornton Lakes Loop, Maple Pass Loop, Ptarmigan Ridge (Mt. Baker), and Spider Gap-Image Lake-Buck Creek Pass Loop (Glacier Peak Wilderness). Absolutely spectacular! Also I'd recommend the Mount Adams Wilderness. Try backpacking up to High Camp below the massive Adams Glacier. The views and "feeling of being on top of the world" is breathtaking.

[@goodmorninggilw2836]

Dude that breakfast… 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁✊😁 that is awesome man! I am a salt fiend, and I once stopped at a supermarket on the way home from a hike, and bought a stick of dry salami. I knawed like half the thing away on the way home in the last 3 miles.

[@bryanhikes7248]

super nice views! looks like a beautiful place to spend a day of few.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Bryan Formica Its gorgeous! Particularly in the morning and sunset. Robby says it looks like some type of Chinese painting.

[@neildbarker]

Amazing views. Re: the hike back down, I try to zig zag as much as possible on the downhill trail. I sometimes hike with a walking stick for leverage as well.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Neil Barker Thanks Neil! Zig Zagging is my preferred method too when you're able to. Hiking poles are the main thing I'm missing, I think!

[@johnsavala8202]

Dude, really enjoying your solo hikes here in So. Cal. Music was bitchin’!

[@josepablo7689]

Hey guys nice video really like it SMILE MORE 😉💯👍

[@AdventureArchives]

+Joseph Pablo I hate smiling. haha- Thanks for watching!

[@EconaelGaming]

I'm gonna echo the trekking poles. They do help to take pressure off of the knees. You can even go so far as to put on knee bandages when going downhill. Might seem extreme but it doesn't seem like you can train your knees, only damage them. I suggest the ones made with neoprene with velcro and that have a ring that goes around your patella.

[@gobdav]

I like to keep my knees bent at all times and sort of do a modified run/walk. Been doing it for years here in the smokies, and while my legs are very wobbly once done, no injuries as of yet.

[@AdventureArchives]

+gobdav Good advice. Wobbly legs are seriously the worst. I'm going to invest in some decent hiking poles- hopefully that will help

[@DerangedSurvival]

2:58 The lizard looked like he was dancing to the music haha. Bend your knees at all times and look for tree roots and large rocks that are not wet to step on. Also, use the trees as well to hold onto but make sure they are living trees. Walking on your tippy toes will put more pressure on your ankles instead of your knees. Excellent video Thomas. what do you have in that black pouch on your waist strap?

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Great trip Sir! Good job filming and thanks for sharing!

[@AdventureArchives]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@woodlandsnorth]

Nice area, wish I had something like that close to home. Great morning shots too.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Outdoor Archives Google Maps, my friend! It's how I find half of my places of interest

[@Dave49erman]

Real nice hangin' with you!!

[@no_soy_rubio]

Looks amazing. So close to the city too. Hoping to visit this year, however if I see a rattlesnake I'll be turning around and heading back the other way 😎

[@YellowDogWelding]

For sure on the trekking poles. Go Blue!

[@AdventureArchives]

+Yellowdog Welding Go Blue! (I didn't go but my Girlfriend does)

[@YellowDogWelding]

+AdventureArchives Well there you go. I didn't either but my wife did! I can vouch for poles helping out as far as knees go. Had one knee 'scoped' and the other waiting to be many years ago. Started using poles in between and never had to have the second knee fixed. For what it's worth. Thanks the great videos.

[@gohanrei]

Btw, I'm sure you noticed already but your sensor has some dust on it. Did you switch lenses on the field?

[@Merbydoo]

Thomas with a classy breakfast :) Nicely done!

[@NorwegianWoods]

Great video as always. I have experienced the same thing about going downhill. In the wintertime, when it is really slippery, it gets even worse. I find it easy to slip and fall over when waling downhill on snow, ice or mud. I don't have any solution though :) Thanks for sharing - Martin

[@AdventureArchives]

+NorwegianWoods Wintertime hiking in the mountains is TERRIFYING! I once saw a man fall 800 feet and get airlifted out. Definitely involves a different type of skill set.

[@alexandertseitlin]

Did you ever get any calls from NPS or SMM park rangers? I hear they've been cracking down on drone videos out there. I've wanted to shoot out there lately.

[@AdventureArchives]

We haven't had any drone-related trouble, though when we are at a National Park, we make sure to only use the drone outside of the park boundaries, where it's allowed. In some National Forests, the only restrictions are those set by the FAA, so we sometimes will use drones there when it's permitted. It's definitely good to be careful if you plan on filming anything, though. Hope this helps, and thank you for watching! -Andrew

[@mackereldude]

Great video of one of my favorite hikes. On a clear day from the top of Sandstone peak, I've been able to see all the way from Santa Barbara, down to Saddle Back peak in Orange County, and all of the channel Islands except for San Miguel. In answer to your question about going down hill, Walking Sticks.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Great views. I am a fan of goat cheese, mushed or unmushed.

[@thebare-footedcambodian6607]

5:24 Well played Thomas, well played.

[@AdventureArchives]

+The Bare-Footed Cambodian Hahaha, I try and play it smoooooooth....

[@ck_distills8734]

As far as downhill I point my toes out from me. Imagine like a duck's feet. I combine that with zig zagging where possible. My hiking sticks help a lot with slowing me down. Also if it gets stupid steep I do a side-step where my feet are perpendicular to the trail. Don't cross your legs and imagine you're stepping down stairs. That's what helps me on the High Sierra passes which you WILL encounter on Whitney. Also if I can offer a suggestion, forget Whitney. Just south of Whitney is Mt. Langley. Barely shorter, same views, no lottery, and since it's in the National Forest and not National Park there's less regulations. ANNNNNNDDDD less people. But hike your own hike. Cheers man!

[@darryllawler2777]

I do downhill with a toe/ball strike instead of heel-strike. In my experience, this provides an opportunity to better absorb the point of impact and reduce the strain on the knees as well as the hips and ankles. Good luck with all you do and thank you for this great video. Always get a kick out of your humorous edits.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Darryl Lawler That's a great idea! Thanks for the tip and of course a BIG THANKS for watching!

[@trailkrum]

Bend your knees! Trekking poles will also help reduce stress and save energy (both on the way up and on the way down). And wear shoes with proper traction (heel brake/reverse lugs), a secure heel cup and toe protection. The Mt Whitney trail is not hard (class 1, not steeply graded), but it is very rocky. Look for trail runner models such as the La Sportiva Wildcat, the Salomon Ultra 2, New Balance Leadville or 910. Happy trail!

[@darthimperius3]

Personally when I walk downhill at a steep grade I do the inchworm technique. It's slow and cumbersome but it works for me. I tilt my body towards my dominant leg and take a gradual step with it. Establish my footing and bring the next foot down. Trekking poles have helped wonderfully because I tend to have terrible balance.

[@garreternst4367]

Nice job on the video. Hiking poles are the way to go. I have heard that using hiking poles (if you are actually using your arms with them) can take as much as 30% of the stress off your knees as without. I use them especially on the way down in front of me so I don't slip.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Garret Ernst Great idea! I'm going to get some after work today

[@Arthur-Silva]

Hiking down the mountain is in fact more difficult and it does put a lot of pressure on the knees. Hiking poles do help a lot but if it's too steep, you might wanna have both of your hands free. Also, I have a bad knee so I use those knee support sleeves type of things, you can buy them at Walmart for about U$18 a pair.

[@OutLan]

You are so fortunate to get to live out there. I was just out there from Ohio (Dayton) and did the Musch Trail to Eagle Rock at Topanga. I have a video of it on my channel. I absolutely loved it and hope to make it out again very soon.

[@AdventureArchives]

+OutLan Dude! I live a stones throw away from Topanga! I actually made a video of my trip there too. So great to see other Ohioans hit the SoCal trails.

[@OutLan]

AdventureArchives It's so incredibly different from here. I was there in March, and it was just like how it is here now in May. What an amazing place.

[@22phan]

Rocky steep downhill, use a 1 pole and walk zig zag to cut the angle. Smooth downhill walk, shuffle step diagonally or controlled braking craving

[@AdventureArchives]

Good ideas - thanks!

[@22phan]

AdventureArchives Where are you guys hiking in 2017. I also see your reddit too.

[@killianoshaughnessy1174]

5:42 I kinda lean a little to the back give my legs a little bend to let my muscles absorb some of the shock that would have gone to the knees. I don't know if it's the right way of going down an inclined surface, but it does make going down carrying heavy loads less tiring.

[@AdventureArchives]

Thanks for the advice! Definitely good to know how to prevent strain on the knees. Thanks for watching!

[@killianoshaughnessy1174]

@@AdventureArchives I hope it will give you some idea to keep the knees happy. And thank you for making these awesome videos! It's a breath of fresh air from the usual hum-drum on KZbin, so to speak.

[@90erland]

I am in Los Angeles right now and considering this place for hiking!

[@AdventureArchives]

Do it! Definitely a cool place :) Thanks for watching!

[@richardchapman7706]

Nice Video, love your work. Hiking downhill, Always keep your knees bent, this will cause the muscles to work harder but will stop any problems at the joints. As everyone says using poles is the best way to slow the body moving downhill. I put the tips of the handle in the ball of my hand and grip the handle with finger tips, this is so the pole is longer, then I don't have to change the high of the pole.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Richard Chapman Thanks Richard! I'm going to get some decent hiking poles after work today. I'll definitely try out your technique!

[@NatureShy]

What I found works for me is just by resting my hand/letting it hang in the strap. It is a lot less tiring on the hands that way, by putting the weight on the wrists.

[@NicoleKrawczyk]

Downhill? Use hiking poles, they change everything.:) They take a lot of the stress off your knees and joints. Try zig-zagging down the mountain, don't go facing straight down, that way you're never facing down and it's easier on your legs, too. :)

[@AdventureArchives]

+mikron You're so right. I'll definitely be investing in some good ones soon!

[@alexrapp1991]

+AdventureArchives - Hey Thomas, about walking down a mountain, you should flex your legs and put the stress on the thigh muscles not the knees. Its about taking away the "bumpiness" of walking down, think of your legs as suspension, which can only work when they are flexed. At first you will feel the burn, but practice makes perfect. You can always make up muscle mass but a bad knee is bad for good. Here in the Alps this technique is well known, since we usually don't leave the hose for a climb of less than 1000m (3000ft)

[@terrific-bats]

great ! thumbs up

[@AdventureArchives]

Thank you so much!!

[@outdoorcorn9915]

What kind of cheese was it? I don't think you mentioned it 😅

[@ellioteason5155]

When you walk/run down a hill, step on the fronts of your feet. This puts all the force of landings onto your hips instead of your knees.

[@AdventureArchives]

Interesting - thanks for the tip!

[@marktomberlin9714]

I have had the same problem with walking down hill. I sometimes let gravity take me and just try not to fall on my face.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Mark Tomberlin I've definitely fallen on my face a good number of times! Thanks for watching

[@garysatterfield3949]

Thanks for posting..enjoyed the video..the scenery and commentary were great.. however to me there were times when you were videoing yourself commenting that the quick cuts seemed to make the video jump.. which was distracting to me... Please keep posting ...

[@AdventureArchives]

+Gary Satterfield Thanks for the comment Gary! I admit, I used a lot of jump cuts on this one- I sometimes sacrifice quality over speed

[@Nealskis]

Great video Thomas. I’ve hiked in SoCal for years and found that going down a mountain I turn my body a little sideways (only on the super sketch parts) and get a little lower. Also lengthen your trekking poles while descending to help take stress off. This was 2 years ago and I prob assume you are a pro now lol

[@IKIGAIofficial]

amazing video 1

[@musicisbrilliant]

Oh, Thomas, just make your ALWAYS on the lookout for those snakes man. And wear LONG pants!!

[@mayeday1263]

Thomas we need to link up and go hiking...I'm a fellow socal backpacker...love the videos

[@AdventureArchives]

+Ryan Maye Awesome! We should! Sometime in the next few months I want to do a hiking meet up with other folks from the channel

[@markstanton2362]

TREKKING POLES take the pressure off all your joints going downhill and can help propel you uphill as well.

[@Wesselmania]

Go blue! You from Michigan?

[@ShawnCiotti]

As you have heard, downhill = trekking pokes. Try it; you'll never leave them at home again. Absolute necessity with a 25lb pack as well.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Shawn Ciotti I'm going to get a pair after work today! Thanks!

[@minecraft360news]

Beautiful :D

[@garreternst4367]

By the way, I noticed you were wearing a Michigan cap. And you said you grew up in Ohio. How did that come about? I'm a Spartan myself. Just curious.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Garret Ernst Hi Garret! Yeah- I'm originally from Ohio but my girlfriend went to Michigan and I have some family that went there too. Even though I'm an Ohio University alumn, I've always sorta been a Wolverine!

[@markstanton2362]

They take the stress off your ankles, knees and hips.

[@marystestlife]

Run down! j/k That's just what I see all the hardcore mountain runners do as I wobble down slowly.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Mary V Lin Hahaha- I don't think I'm quite ready to go all "Bear Grylls" down the side of a mountain. Thanks for watching!

[@pilgrimcarolee7294]

Hey Thomas, going down hill just turn side ways. It is easier on your body & your feet do better. 😀

[@AdventureArchives]

I do this when I need to take a big step down. Feels easier on my legs and easier to keep my balance ~Bryan

[@robinsavard84]

Goat cheese on burgers!

[@sharkylal]

I walk sideways downhill

[@goldenmemes51]

from the normies!!!! i live in santa monica!

[@AdventureArchives]

+Jai Hind Thanks for watching! You have some great hiking spots near you! --Thomas

[@peglegthered]

Nice try buddy. Fool us with hiking footage and shill goat cheese right smack in the middle. I'm onto you. ;) ;) ;)

[@AdventureArchives]

+peglegthered I wish I was getting paid to shill goat cheese. That stuff was amazingly good. We love our food here at Adventure Archives.

[@michaellacostales5585]

Bend your knees a bit. Also, I noticed that you land on your heels a lot. Try landing on the balls of your feet.

[@gohanrei]

Btw, I'm sure you noticed already but your sensor has some dust on it. Did you switch lenses on the field?

[@AdventureArchives]

+gohanrei I seriously need to. I'm still getting used to this type of camera- never had anything like this before.