photo by jim belsley
You will see how many public and private agencies, organizations and individuals have joined together to create Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in general and the Backbone Trail in particular and must continue as partners in its management efforts.
As individuals you can help support the park in many ways. You can share your knowledge by telling others about the parks and events. You can increase your knowledge by attending programs and lectures listed in Outdoors, the quarterly calendar of Santa Monica Mountains events published by the National Park Service. You can contribute your time by becoming a State or National park volunteer. You can help maintain the Backbone Trail and other trails by volunteering for trail projects with the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council.
As hikers on this trail you will benefit from our Mediterranean eco-system, found only in five places in the world, experincing its many unique plant and animal communites. By being able to escape from city life, you enjoy the health benefits of hiking and learning a lot about our own unique area. You will also learn some history of the area through the trail as you travel through Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Oak Woodlands, Meadows, and Streamside areas.
We hope you will enjoy your traverse of the Santa Monica Mountains on the Backbone Trail.
If after you have read through the Backbone Trail (BBT) information and still have questions, please contact us and an experienced BBT hiker will respond to your question.