• 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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  • Partial Park Closure Due to Hazardous Conditions

    Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa re-opens 5/14/13, with restrictions (sunrise to sunset, not all trails). Sandstone Peak & Mishe Mokwa trails will also open, as will Backbone Trail east of Point Mugu State Park boundary. Point Mugu backcountry remains closed. 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 5/24/13. Check back for updates or call 818-889-8996. More »

Trail Sections - East

Two visitors enjoy the hiking the Backbone Trail through the Eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Photo by Jim Belsley

The Backbone Trail ties together the individual parks of the Santa Monica Mountains, offering a cross sectional view of this unique National Park unit.

To assist you on your Backbone Trail hike, we have put together some background information on individual trail segments, starting from the Ray Miller Trail at the western end of the trail in Point Mugu State Park and finishing at Will Rogers State Historic Park, the eastern end of the trail. You will need to check maps to see where the nearest road access is and arrange your own transportation.

Points that will be noted on the sections to the right are:

  • Mileage for the trail segment.
  • Which agency covers the area.
  • What type of flora (shrubs, grassland, and woods) can be expected.
  • Notes about geology, history or structures that will be useful in finding your way.
  • Cautions of possible trail confusion or other hazards.

Use the links to the right by clicking the Read More >> >> link learn about the section of trail you wish to visit.

  • Latigo Canyon parking area to Malibu Canyon parking area Latigo Canyon parking area to Malibu Canyon parking area

    Latigo Canyon parking area to Malibu Canyon parking area Read More

  • Malibu Canyon to Stunt, Scheuren and Saddle Peak Roads Malibu Canyon to Stunt, Scheuren and Saddle Peak Roads

    Malibu Canyon to Stunt, Scheuren and Saddle Peak Roads Read More

  • Stunt, Scheueren and Saddle Peak Roads to Topanga State Park Stunt, Scheueren and Saddle Peak Roads to Topanga State Park

    Stunt, Scheueren and Saddle Peak Roads to Topanga State Park Read More

  • Trippet Ranch, Topanga State Park to Will Rogers State Historic Park Trippet Ranch, Topanga State Park to Will Rogers State Historic Park

    Trippet Ranch, Topanga State Park to Will Rogers State Historic Park Read More

Did You Know?

Franklin Canyon is a great place for natural and city views.

At the geographical center of Los Angeles is a national park site. At Franklin Canyon Ranch in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, you can see cityscapes and natural views. The recreation area extendes in an east-west direction running through the heart of the city.