Santa Monica Mountains Backbone Trail Trek 2011

General Information

The Backbone Trek 2011 is a seven-day hike, traversing the 67-mile length of the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains. The event is sponsored by the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council (SMMTC) and will be conducted the week of May 7 – 14, 2011.

The Backbone Trail traverses the length of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It follows ridges and canyons crossing chaparral-covered hillsides, oak woodlands, creeks and valleys. The daily hikes are rated moderate to strenuous difficulty and average about 9 miles per day, with daily elevation changes ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet. Hikers carry only a daypack with lunch, water and personal items. Volunteers truck the hiker's camping equipment between campgrounds and when necessary, a van shuttle is provided to and from the trailhead. Upon arriving at the night's campground, usually around 3:00 PM, participants may relax while being treated to light snacks and cool drinks. While accommodations at the campgrounds vary, all have potable water, toilets, and picnic tables; all but two campgrounds have shower facilities. Hot meals prepared by volunteers are served every evening. In the mornings, hikers prepare their own breakfast, lunch and trail snacks from an assortment of provided "fixings".

The BBT begins May 7, 2011 at La Jolla Canyon in Point Mugu State Park. The first day of the event, hikers will meet in the afternoon at the La Jolla Group Camp in Point Mugu State Park. After unloading individual equipment and shuttling private vehicles to a secure parking area, hikers have an opportunity to meet the other hikers and the BBT volunteers, share a light dinner and receive an event orientation. The BBT culminates on May 14, 2011 at Will Rogers State Historic Park. A light lunch and cool drinks are provided while all participants share their experiences and say good-byes. After lunch, participants are shuttled back to the vehicle parking area to pick up personal camping gear and private autos.

The fee for this event is $350 and covers all expenses. Registration begins on February 1, 2011 and closes on April 8, 2011.

Questions should be directed to the event coordinator, Jerry Mitcham at (818) 406-1269 or email to backbonetrek2011@roadrunner.com