Santa Monica Mountains Backbone Trail Trek 2014

General Information


The Backbone Trek 2014 is a seven-day hike, traversing the 65-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 3 to May 10, 2014.

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 10 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. While this hike is much less strenuous than a backpack trip, it is not for the casual hiker. Each day's hike is classified as moderate or difficult. However, keep in mind a 10 mile hike every day may have a cumulative effect on one's physical condition, increasing the difficulty as the hike progresses day to day.

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 3 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 10 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 $400.00 and covers all expenses. Registration begins on February 1, 2014 and closes on April 8, 2014.

Questions should be directed to the event coordinator, Annie Salerno at (805) 907-1826 or email to backbonetrek@yahoo.com