During the 1980s, many who shared the vision started working on the project with California State Parks, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the National Park Service. By 2010, 62 miles of the trail had been completed. It followed ridges, traversed chaparral-covered hillsides, entered oak woodlands, and crossed creeks and valleys. In 2016, the Backbone Trail was officially completed with 67 miles of unbroken trail experience and it became designated as a National Recreation Trail. Click here for the full video series about the Backbone Trail hike.
Because the trail system has been pieced together, trail sections may have different names and not all sections are open to all users. For example, mountain bikes are permitted on most fire roads, but only permitted on some single track trails. Those trails are posted open for mountain biking. Always watch the trails signs. No mountain bikes are permitted in the state park wilderness area in Pt. Mugu State Park. Questions about hiking the Backbone Trail |
Last updated: November 2, 2021