• 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 - West

Vast mountain views make up some of the most remote sections of the Backbone Trail.

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.

  • Ray Miller Trailhead to Danielson Multi-use Area Ray Miller Trailhead to Danielson Multi-use Area

    Ray Miller Trailhead to Danielson Multi-use Area Read More

  • Danielson Multi-use Area to Circle X - Sandstone Peak parking lot Danielson Multi-use Area to Circle X - Sandstone Peak parking lot

    Danielson Multi-use Area to Circle X - Sandstone Peak parking lot Read More

  • Circle X - Sandstone Peak Parking Lot to Yerba Buena Rd (mi. marker 9.1) Circle X - Sandstone Peak Parking Lot to Yerba Buena Rd (mi. marker 9.1)

    Circle X - Sandstone Peak Parking Lot to Yerba Buena Rd (mi. marker 9.1) Read More

  • Mulholland Hwy (mile marker 5.2) to Latigo Canyon parking area Mulholland Hwy (mile marker 5.2) to Latigo Canyon parking area

    Backbone Trail from Mulholland Hwy (mile marker 5.2) to Latigo Canyon parking area Read More

Did You Know?

A community project led by the National Park Service has restored Zuma Lagoon.

Many hands spanning different generations and agencies continue to turn back the clock on damage to the fragile environment at Zuma Lagoon. After the removal of debris and the restoration of native plants, beach visitors now find a living wetland with 108 species of birds and colorful wildflowers.