• Afternoon clouds cover the distance peaks of the iconic Boney Mountain

    Santa Monica Mountains

    National Recreation Area California

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Update on Park Closures

    All NPS trails are open, w/the exception of part of the Satwiwa Loop Trail. Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is only open sunrise to sunset. Point Mugu State Park re-opens 5/24. More »

  • Trucks on Cheeseboro Canyon Trail

    Occasional truck traffic (approx 6 trips per day) will take place on Cheeseboro Cyn Trail weekdays between 8am & 4pm for demolition and removal of Cheeseboro Tank. Should be completed by 5/31/13. Check back for updates or call 818-889-8996. More »

Backbone Trail from Malibu Canyon to Stunt, Scheuren and Saddle Peak Roads

  • Mileage: 6.8 miles
  • Agencies: NPS, Mountains Restoration Trust, Malibu Creek State Park
  • Flora: Chaparral, Streamside, Oak Woodland
  • Human history: You'll see lots of urban encroachment in this area.
  • Cautions: From the parking lot, go inland on Malibu Canyon Road, across the bridge, then cross onto Piuma Road at the signal. Continue on Piuma Road about .3 mile to 26026 Piuma Road. The trailhead will be on your right by the telephone pole. After a short trail walk, you'll re-cross Piuma Road then begin the uphill that will eventually bring the trail out to Stunt Rd. A short walk up that road will bring you to the intersection of Stunt, Scheuren and Saddle Peak Roads.
 

Did You Know?

Charlie Cooke, hereditary Chief of the Chumash played an important role in making sure 85 acres remained open space.

On June 13, 1980, Charlie Cooke, hereditary Chief of the Chumash and concerned citizens fulfilled a dream-- a place for families to explore our natural world and learn about the Chumash. Satwiwa in Newbury Park, CA celebrates the beauty of the mountains and all Native American cultures.