backbone trail

I've done sections of this trail many times and the whole thing in 1 week as well. The western sections are perhaps more scenic but all of it is lovely. Lots of ups and downs of course, but very doable. Good to do it with others and arrange a car shuttle so you don't have to back track.

If you like to hike you have to do this trail. It goes up, up up into the Santa Monica Preserve. The weather was great and we had a cool breeze so it made it easier. We did not go all the way to the top but went up for over an hour and a half. Gorgeous views! Small parking fee, port-a-potty available.

You need to be prepared for the challenges of a variety of levels and uneven terrain. Also a good guide makes it more interesting.

This is pretty much our favorite hike in SoCal, there's nothing like the views from the top and even the drive there and back through Malibu is stunning! Be sure to bring water as there is no where to fill up along the trail. It's dog friendly too!Check out our post with more hiking tips and some awesome photos:http://mrandmrsadventure.com/2014/06/19/our-favorite-socal-hike-sandstone-peak/

I live in Malibu and am on this trail almost daily. So many places to start your hike from and all so different from each other. Some of the best attributes of this trail are- the single track that seems to be well taken care of, the wildlife that you see; I have seen coyotes, a bobcat, dear, owls, hawks (Snakes- rattlers- be careful in hot weather!) and the feeling that you are no where near Los Angeles. All of those tourists crowding a trail that isn't even that great- Winding Way, are seriously missing out on the really great trail- Backbone. Start at Busch, Bonsall, Kanan, Will Rodgers, Mulholland…..Bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. And know where you are going as there are miles and miles of trail. Dogs on leash are welcome but make sure you bring enough water for them in the summer time as it can get very hot and I have seen too many idiots who didn't think to bring their dogs anything. - Really fun- park at the lot just north of Tunnel 1 on Kanan. Go west and meet up with the Zuma View trail off off Busch. Loop back down through Bonsall and have another car waiting there. A couple of hours of beautiful and varied scenery. Endless views of the canyons, mountains and ocean.

If you are an adventurous hiking enthusiast, the Santa Monica Mountains backbone trail is for you. You can take it in sections and you will be amazed at the scenic beauty on the ocean and valley sides of the SM mountains. The best "free" thing to do in LA, other than going to the Beach.

I've hiked and biked the entire 65-mile length of the Backbone Trail from where it starts in Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades, CA to its terminus just outside of La Jolla State Park in Malibu along Pacific Coast Highway. From Will Rogers, the trail begins as a steep fire road (bikeable) and traverses several picturesque canyons with magnificent ocean, canyon, and mountain views, and at times becomes a single track. In a few sections of the trail, mountain bikes are not allowed in most of the trails that travel from Topanga, CA to Malibu Cyn Rd/Las Virgenes Cyn Rd in Calabasas, CA. I've not yet met anyone who has hiked/run/biked the entire length in one day, as the trail is very rugged and steep in some sections, with many major climbs and descents between the several different canyons from the PacPalisades to Malibu. If you're short on time, don't miss these parts of the Backbone Trail:- Munsch Trail/Topanga State Park: out and back with 26 different species of California wildflowers. No bikes. Best time to hike is Spring.- Fossil Trail/Hondo Canyon in Malibu: out and back with lots of fossils along the trail with spectacular ocean and canyon views. No bikes.- Backbone/Kanan Rd/Newton Canyon in Malibu: out and back over the T1 tunnel and climb up to Latigo Canyon, down and up to Corral Canyon with 8 seasonal stream crossings. Magnificent ocean, mountain, and canyon views. Nearly 100% single track. Best for bikers with at least intermediate skills and good cardio. Technical with exposure in some sections, elevation gain of 3,600 feet over 5 miles one way. The distance may be short, but the going is challenging after Latigo Canyon.- Encinal/Backbone/Encinal Canyon to Sandstone Peak in Malibu: this out and back trail has it all: single track, multi-use, and fire road. Probably the best ocean and mountain views of the entire Backbone Trail, plus a visit to the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. Forever views of the valley. Best for bikers of at least high beginner level with some cardio fitness. 3 short, steep hills there and back again, but so worth it. Sighting of the Painted Lady Butterfly hatchings in early Spring.

I went hiking there last week. It is a mix of hills and plateaus but overall a good hike.Only advise here regards to snakes. On my hiking we had one right in the middle of the path. Be aware and be careful.We had two guys pulling her over and later called the authority responsible for animal control.

Pack plenty of water, sun screen, snacks, etc.This is just over 6 hrs round tripBest time to go is late Spring on a clear day but good year roundNot recommended for kidzEnjoy

The backbone trail is about 60 miles in all. It can new traversed from Will Rogers park in Santa Monica to Point Mugu in Malibu. Rent a mt.bike from Topanga Creek bicycles and have a blast. It's a great way to see the trail.