• 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 6/21/13. Check back for updates or call 818-889-8996. More »

Backbone Trail Safety

Many trails are deep into the backcountry and following trail safety protocols is a great way to have a safe trip.

photo by jim belsley

You are responsible for your own safety on the trail. Always check the weather forecast for the days you will be hiking. Some sections of the BBT are very remote and you should be cautious about hiking in unfavorable conditions.

  • If fire alerts for hot, dry, and windy conditions are forecast, some backcountry areas may be closed. It is not safe to hike in the mountains when a red flag fire warning has been declared. Even if you can easily hike out to a road, wild fires can quickly cut off both trails and access roads.
  • If heavy rain is forecast, hillside slopes and trails can become unstable and dry stream beds can become swift moving streams.
  • Avoid hiking after a moderate to heavy rain event due to muddy conditions and to prevent damage to the trail.
  • Signage on the trail is not good. Hike with someone who knows the trail, or hike with a GPS unit and download the GPS co-ordinates from the BBT website. Even with a GPS unit, consider carrying a map as a back-up.
  • Know what poison oak looks like, so you can try to avoid it.
  • Wear layered clothing and well broken in hiking shoes.
  • Hike with someone or let a friend know where you will be hiking.
  • Take a first aid kit, sufficient food and water. There is no water on the trail except at a few trailheads. There are no reliable creeks to filter water.
  • Take a cell phone, but remember that cell phone coverage in the mountains may be spotty at best.

Did You Know?

Sue Nelson, Jill Swift, and Margo Feurer were instrumental in the movement to create a national recreation area near Los Angeles.

Four state parks were the triumph of a grassroots movement to protect open spaces minutes from Los Angeles in the 1950s & 60s. Three women, Sue Nelson, Jill Swift, and Margo Feuer further galvanized the movement that helped make Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area a reality in 1978.