How long is backbone trail

Mountain bikes can traverse much of the trail, but have more limitations than horses. The Chamberlins recommend tackling the trail as a series of day hikes, and their favorite approach is traveling east to west. The terrain also becomes more scenic and wild on the western end of the mountains, but also more challenging to hike in some areas.

Some segments of the Backbone Trail require a full day, others are short. Most have elevation loss or gain, but a few are surprisingly gentle. The book offers shorter alternatives for less ambitious hikers, including a quick but dramatic four-mile, out-and-back hike up 3,foot-high Sandstone Peak, the highest mountain in the range, and and some longer options, with side-trips to points of interest.

Topanga residents and visitors may have walked this part of the Backbone Trail many times without realizing it. The authors recommend hiking it one way with a car shuttle by leaving a vehicle for the return trip at the Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park trailhead at the end of Reseda Boulevard and starting at the Hub.

The marathon leg of the journey is near the far western end of the trail: the hike from Triunfo Pass to Big Sycamore Canyon is The authors pointed out that there is no law that says the trail must be tackled in a particular order.

Hikers can always choose shorter or less difficult segments and build up to longer walks, or break the longer segments into shorter walks.

The duo recommends hiking in winter and spring when the weather is cooler and the landscape is greener. They suggest wearing hiking boots and hiking socks—Caroline carries an extra pair of socks for emergencies and to prevent blisters.

They also recommend bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, map, compass, extra cell phone batteries, and a hand-cranked flashlight.

The list also includes advice from their own experiences of sprained ankles, poison oak, and getting lost. The Chamberlins book promises something for everyone—old and young, fit or not so fit—along the Backbone Trail. Suzanne Guldimann is an author, artist, and musician who lives in Malibu and loves the Santa Monica Mountains. Explore This Park. Info Alerts Maps Calendar. Alerts In Effect Dismiss.

Dismiss View all alerts. Backbone Trail BBT. All this national park land all around me and I didn't even know about it. Wouldn't it be great if more people experienced the outdoors? I was thrilled to be selected to be part of this group that hiked eight segments of the backbone trail with park rangers and volunteers. If you're interested in hiking the Backbone Trail, I highly recommend it, but being prepared is key.

That's why the National Park Service is coming out with a series of videos for folks interested in hiking a segment of the trail or all 67 miles of it from Point Mugu to Will Rogers State Historic Park.

The series will cover logistical issues and what to bring, and break down the eight segments of the trail that you can follow, along with valuable insights from park rangers on natural and cultural resources along the way. Click here for the full video series. Visit our Maps and Information page to learn about the different trail sections. Sarah Marquet. June 20, Nice trail. Mix of 2 tracks and single tracks.

Great view of the ocean. Switchback Sister. June 6, Hiking Great! May 7, Backpacking Great! No shade. Kara M. February 13, Running Great! December 29, Kari Roben. November 24, Scott Clemence. September 27, September 20, August 15, Val B. July 12, John B. Vitalii Kucher. October 3, Mountain biking.

Unfortunately, musch trail not allowed for biking. Guthrie Paterson. May 31, Kim Maize. February 7, Jennifer Hauge. June 8, Alessandra Recht. May 28, Michael Parsons. May 22, First to Review. Huck Commans. November 8, Harris Silver. November 6, November 2, October 24, Tracy Lopez. October 23, Zac Titus. October 13, Austin Simpson Films. October 8, October 1, Jason Kahn. Dirk Gastaldo. September 25, Show more reviews Showing results 1 - 30 of Add photos of this trail Photos help others preview the trail.