Life in Los Angeles comes with access to dozens of scenic destinations, from Catalina Island to the Vasquez Rocks. But one of the most memorable bucket-list ways to experience the natural beauty region is by taking on the 67-mile Backbone Trail (BBT).
In fact, Outside Magazine made waves last year when it named the Backbone Trail on a list of the 10 most beautiful hikes in the world, which covered destinations from Alaska to Egypt.
Writes columnist Grayson Haver Currin, “Slicing through a rare safeguarded stretch of Mediterranean ecosystem, this is arguably the country’s most anomalous trail—public land with ocean views, in an area where private interests buy up every scrap of acreage.”
The BBT opened its end-to-end route in 2016 after decades of planning and land negotiations, creating a continuous through-trail from Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades to Point Mugu State Park near Oxnard.
The terrain varies from strenuous ridgelines to dramatic canyon stretches, offering unbelievable views over the Pacific Ocean throughout. Its highest point is at Sandstone Peak, which tops out at 3,111 feet.
Per the National Park Service, the BBT is the best-protected stretch of coastal Mediterranean habitat in the world.
Hiking the Backbone Trail
While the most ambitious hikers have been known to race the trail in less than a day, Currin lists it more realistically as a 3-to-5-day hike. And due to limited camping options along the route, the NPS itself recommends enjoying it as a series of day hikes.
All 67 miles of the trail are accessible to both hikers and equestrians, while mountain bikers can enjoy about 43 miles of the route. Many also enjoy rock climbing, trail running, birding, picnicking, and photography along the BBT.
You can plan your trip by visiting the National Park Service website.
