Backbone Trail
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Los Angeles County, CA
Point-to-point trail in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Los Angeles County, CA. Hiking.
- Distance
- 50.1 mi (80.6 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 10,217 ft (3,114 m)
- Est. Time
- 21 hr 20 min
- High point
- 2,995 ft (913 m)
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Route type
- Point to point
Features
Along the way
- Campsite 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from start
- Picnic area 6.4 mi (10.4 km) from start
- Campsite: Danielson Group Multi-Use Campground 8.1 mi (13 km) from start
- Peak: Boney Mountain 12.6 mi (20.3 km) from start
- Viewpoint: Inspiration Point 14 mi (22.5 km) from start
- Historic site: Inspiration Point 14 mi (22.5 km) from start
- Peak: Boney Peak 14.1 mi (22.7 km) from start
- Peak: Sandstone Peak 14.9 mi (24 km) from start
- Trailhead: Mishe Mokwa Trailhead 16.1 mi (25.9 km) from start
- Trailhead: Backbone Trail - Mulholland to Etz Meloy 25.4 mi (40.8 km) from start
- Trailhead: Backbone Trail - Encinal to Mulholland 26.5 mi (42.6 km) from start
- Waterfall 30.6 mi (49.2 km) from start
- Waterfall: Newton Canyon Falls 31.2 mi (50.2 km) from start
- Trailhead: Backbone Trail - Newton Canyon 31.4 mi (50.6 km) from start
- Trailhead: Backbone Trail - Latigo Canyon 33.7 mi (54.2 km) from start
- Trailhead: Backbone Trail - Castro Motorway 37.7 mi (60.7 km) from start
- Peak: McAuley Peak 40.3 mi (64.8 km) from start
- Trailhead: Piuma Trailhead 43.1 mi (69.4 km) from start
- Peak: Saddle Peak 49.6 mi (79.7 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about Backbone Trail
How long is Backbone Trail?
Backbone Trail is 50.1 mi (80.6 km) long. Most people take about 21 hr 20 min. It climbs 10,217 ft (3,114 m) in total, up to a high point of 2,995 ft (913 m).
How hard is Backbone Trail?
GoTrails rates it Expert, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for Backbone Trail?
Parking at the start. 12 more lots along the route.
Are there water and toilets on Backbone Trail?
Drinking water on the way at 6.4 mi (10.4 km), 8.1 mi (13 km). Toilets: Trailhead, 8.1 mi (13.1 km), 16.5 mi (26.5 km), 43.1 mi (69.4 km).
Is Backbone Trail shaded?
Mostly exposed (14% under trees).
What can you do on Backbone Trail?
Best for Hiking.
Where can you eat near Backbone Trail?
1 picnic spots.
Is this a good week for Backbone Trail?
GoTrails turns the 7-day forecast at the start and at the high point into a clear go / no-go: temperature, rain, storms, wind, heat, air quality and daylight, with a suggested start time. This week’s call is at the top of this page.
Trails near Backbone Trail
- La Jolla Canyon Trail Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · Moderate · 2.3 mi (3.7 km)
- Mugu Peak Trail Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · Moderate · 3.6 mi (5.8 km)
- La Jolla Valley-C Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · Easy · 2.1 mi (3.4 km)
- Mugu Peak Spur Trail Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · Easy · 0.5 mi (0.8 km)
- Great Dune View Trail Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · Easy · 0.5 mi (0.8 km)
- La Jolla Valley-B Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · Easy · 0.5 mi (0.8 km)
- La Jolla Hike Camp Trail (sites 1, 2, & 3 Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · Easy · 0.2 mi (0.3 km)
- La Jolla Valley Fire Road Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · Easy · 2.1 mi (3.4 km)
More hikes in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap