![\"Hikers](\"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Hikers_on_the_Backbone_TrailHEADER.jpg\")
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The Backbone Trail opened officially today, June 4, 2016. \u00a0The trail begins at Thornhill Broome Beach in Point Mugu\u00a0State Park on the coast just west of Malibu, California. \u00a0It extends 67 miles up, into and through the length of \u00a0the Santa Monica\u00a0Mountains to Will Rogers State Historic Park near Santa Monica, California.<\/p>\n
The public has acquired more than 180 parcels, valued in excess of $100 million, to complete the route. California State Parks owns more than 60% of these lands.Recently a 40-acre parcel of land in Zuma Canyon was donated by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and fitness entrepreneur Betty Weider. The property, valued at more than $500,000, represents the single largest private donation for the Backbone Trail.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The original idea to connect existing trails together resulted \u00a0in trail conditions ranging from single-track trails to old fire roads. \u00a0Further, \u00a0various uses are limited on certain sections of the trail. \u00a0Hikers are welcome anywhere on the trail, but mountain bikes, for example, may only use segments posted as open for that use.<\/p>\n The trail is unique in that it is a rugged wilderness experience, but always within a few miles of major urban areas. \u00a0Some segments are even within the city limits of\u00a0Los Angeles and Malibu. \u00a0Part of the wilderness experience comes from the sage and chaparral ecosystems that offer only low brush and virtually no trees for shade. \u00a0This will be a hot and dry hike most of the year. \u00a0In addition the trail is a bit of a roller coaster with elevations ranging from the coast to the\u00a03,111 ft (948 m) top of Sandstone Peak with \u00a0drops and climbs into and out of canyons and from peak to peak throughout its length.<\/p>\n If you are planning to hike the trail, be aware that camping along the trail is limited. \u00a0There are a number of campgrounds close to the trail, but it is often difficult to get reservations to use them. \u00a0Efforts are underway to provide campsites along the trail itself for through hikers. \u00a0In the meantime, \u00a0there are many trailheads with parking that make series of day hikes practical.<\/p>\n![\"View](\"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/View-of-the-ocean-from-Circle-X-RanchNPS.jpg\")
<\/a>The trail has been under development for decades, with work beginning in the 1980’s. \u00a0Not only is trail construction challenging in the rugged terrain, but the trail passes through a variety of ownerships. \u00a0A partnership between the National Park Service,\u00a0responsible for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and the \u00a0California Department of Parks and Recreation, responsible for state parks along the way, was instrumental in developing the route and working closely with private landowners to make the complete trail a reality.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t“The Backbone Trail shows what a dedicated community can do if they set their minds to it. The Backbone Trail has been a 40-year labor for elected officials, parks agencies, volunteers and philanthropists. When finished, the trail will form the spine of a 500-mile network of trails that connects the residents of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties to their public lands.” – David Szymanski, superintendent for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area<\/div><\/div>\n<\/a>Backbone Trail Conditions<\/h1>\nHiking the Backbone Trail<\/h1>\n
Maps<\/h1>\n