Existing fire roads inside these parks have become part of the Backbone Trail. The establishment of Will Rogers State Historic Park opens the Inspiration Point Loop Trail, which would become the eastern end of the Backbone Trail.Ĭalifornia Department of Parks and Recreation acquires land for Topanga State Park, Malibu Creek State Park and Point Mugu State Park. Source of this article: The Los Angeles Times, May 26, 2016 Today however, we went with winds less than 10mph, it was pleasant the entire way.The Backbone Trail, a 67-mile route among the sycamore canyons and sandstone peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains, was a dream in the 1960s. The winds at the peak were strong enough to blow you over. The first time I did this hike, the winds on the ground were about 30 mph (unusual for California). Go in a group of two or more, bring lots of water, and enjoy this amazing hike.Īlso- use caution if it is a particularly windy day. Not really safe for people to do by themselves - too deep in the mountains (no cell service, mountain lion territory). Then a quick 1.5 miles to complete the loop back to the parking lot. Stay right in the first fork of the road, enjoy the spectacular views over the next 5 miles, be challenged by the gradual ascent and enjoy the peak at the end. It’s a shame to see so many people going straight to the peak and back (1.5 miles each way) and missing the incredible views the rest of the loop has to offer. The majority of people come to this trail and immediately turn left at the first fork to go to the summit - don’t do this!!!!!! Go right, do the 5 mile loop that ENDS at Sandstone Peak and then descend this last bit of the loop to the parking lot. There are portions in a canyon environment, portions overlooking incredible sandstone formations in the distance, and portions of ascending that get your legs fired up as you approach the summit. It is a challenging 6-7 mile hike, with (according to my FitBit Surge) 1300 feet elevation gain if you do the full loop. This truly is one of the best hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains. Check the NPS Circle X Ranch webpage for more information. Woolsey Fire Update: Trails around Circle X Ranch have reopened following the November 2018 Woolsey Fire. No fee is required to park at the trailhead for Sandstone Peak and you do not need a permit, so get out and enjoy! Reaching the summit of Mount Baldy is a rewarding experience. If standing at the top of the Santa Monica Mountains inspires you to get even higher, hike to the highest point in Los Angeles County’s other major mountain range, the San Gabriel Mountains. Just down the road, you’ll find a short hike to interesting boulders and pools called The Grotto. Hike the reverse direction direction up Sandstone Peak for a more strenuous workout. Hikers are welcome to bring dogs on this loop. Once you return to the Backbone Trail, it continues slightly uphill for a few hundred feet before making a steep descent to the parking lot. Enjoy the views and remind yourself, “it’s all down hill from here.” You are 1,075 feet above the trailhead at the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. Sign the registry and have a look around. It passes just beneath the summit, where a short side trail must be taken to reach the top. While never too steep, the Backbone Trail provides a steady climb. The lookout should “inspire” you to get back on the trail and push on for the peak, one mile away. The next turnoff is for Inspiration Point, where a short path leads to vast views, making for a very worthy side venture. To reach Sandstone Peak, continue on the Backbone Trail, which curves southward and then east. Turn left to continue on the loop, or make a right turn on the spur trail out to Tri Peaks, which adds 1.2 miles to the hike along with fine views to the west. Past the picnic area, the trail climbs for nearly a mile and a half to join the Backbone Trail, 3 1/3 miles from the start. The picnic area offers plenty of shade, which is otherwise elusive on this hike. After hiking nearly two miles, this is a good spot for a break. Just ahead on the trail, enters a riparian forest and crosses a stream to arrive at Split Rock Picnic Area. A balancing rock at the northwest end of these cliffs appears to be standing in defiance of gravity. These Echo Cliffs are a popular spot for mountain climbers, and you may spot a few making their ascent. The wide rock and dirt track passes a ravine with bold sandstone cliffs. The vistas will only improve once you turn left and hike up Mishe Mokwa.
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