Don’t add time to what are already long days. Though the trail was technically “finished” in spring of 2016, it is not nearly well-marked enough to thru-hike without a map or GPS. There’s another tricky turn about 5 miles before descending into Will Rogers Park as well. By far the most difficult parts of the trail to navigate are between Encinal Canyon and Old Topanga Rd. And yes, my GPS did decide to stop charging halfway through day 1. Of course, I am a stubborn monkey who typed out directions (see photo for reference) for every twist and turn of the trail just in case such a travesty befell me. If you GPS cuts out or loses charge at any point on this trail, I would highly suggest calling it. Hike out the remaining 11.1 miles on your last day and relish sleeping in your own bed the fourth night!.This is the one legal trail camp set up for thru-hikers, and there’s water nearby at Trippet Ranch, which is a godsend! Hike 17 miles to Musch Camp on your third day.Spend your second night on the gorgeous, panoramic fire road that veers left before descending into Malibu Canyon. There are amazing turn-outs on the fire road just after the switchbacks off the second Yerba Buena Rd. The Perfect 4-day, 3-night Backbone Trail Itinerary: Cut the miles, have more time to explore, and climb more boulders! I pushed for 24 mile days during the darkest part of the year, leaving little room for error, and boy did I get my ass handed to me. Plus, due to its proximity to Los Angeles and low elevation, it’s quite tempting to hike it in the winter when weekend warrior favorites like Sequoia and Yosemite are snow-bound. But the Backbone Trail is more challenging than it seems. pack on during a 17 mile hike at elevation, and I thought that was a GREAT day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m big on challenges and pushing my body to see what it can do. Unless you’re a pro trail runner or a masochist (quietly raises hand), I would seriously suggest doing this as a 4 or even a 5 day thru-hike. Don’t try to hike the whole thing in a 3 day weekend. So, I felt it only fitting to write a how-to manual in reverse for what not to do on The Backbone Trail!ġ. Even with a TON of planning and back ups in case of things going wrong, the trek decided to take a left turn in a hilarious assortment of unexpected ways, leaving me to bail on night two and return to complete the last 24 miles of trail the following weekend. Oh, and the gods decided to grace me with a massive rainstorm in the middle of day two that left me sliding down the side of a mountain in the pitched black, hiking through multi-million dollar Malibu estates, and finally befriending a valet at a 4 star restaurant who let me charge my phone and call a ride home. For those of you who aren’t LA local, that’s 70 miles of peaks and valleys, traversing along the Santa Monica Mountains, just spitting distance from Los Angeles! It promised to be relatively waterless, 40 degrees at night, difficult to navigate, and illegal to camp on (technically). It is 2.1-miles away using the Canyon View Trail.In one of my grandest schemes to date, I decided to push several self-limits at once and hike the entirety of Malibu’s recently completed Backbone Trail System in only 3 days. Fee of $35 per night + possible $9 reservation fee. Circle X Ranch has drinking water, pit toilets, and tent spaces.Reserve a camp site up to 6 months in advance at Regular campground with fire ring, water, and bathrooms, nearby. Malibu Creek State Park campground is 1.5-miles from where the BBT crosses Malibu Canyon.It is $10 per night, and you autopay at the La Jolla/Ray Miller parking area.Ĭurrent campgrounds that are near the Backbone Trail: There is only 3 tent spaces, no water, and no fires. ![]() Contact California State Parks for reservations at 81 or Jolla Valley Hike-In is 0.5-miles off of the BBT, located in Point Mugu State Park. Danielson Ranch at Point Mugu State Park is a group campground only.It is not reservable, and is on a first come, first served basis. Musch Trail Camp at Topanga State Park camp has room for 8 tents, has tables, running water and a flush toilet.A permit system for camping will be initiated at that time.Ĭurrent trailside campgrounds on the Backbone Trail: After approval, contracts for building the trail camps will be accepted and trail camps will be built. Once the trail is complete, a Backbone Trail Backcountry camping plan will be announced for review and public comment. Presently, there is no camping outside of designated campgrounds along the trail.
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