The number of hikers is limited to 25 and registrations are accepted on a first-come first-served basis. There is a registration fee to cover expenses for campgrounds, transportation of personal equipment, insurance, food and the like, with any excess fee going to improve and maintain the trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. The registration fee is $550 per person and includes a one year membership with the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council.
Full refunds (minus a $20 cancellation fee) are made if cancellations are Post Marked prior to April 1, 2022. No refunds can be given after April 3rd, 2022. Cancellation and request for refund can be made by mail (addressed to the registrar) or by e-mail to john.kross@yahoo.com and acknowledged by the registrar.
Please NOTE: The envelope containing your check, Registration and Liability Forms must be postmarked NO EARLIER than February 1, 2022.
Questions about registration? Contact Event Registrar, Barry Dydyk (805) 490-2707 backbonetrek@yahoo.com
The Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council (SMMTC) is proud to sponsor the 17th annual Backbone Trek. This seven-day hike will traverse the 65-mile length of the Santa Monica Mountains.
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, picnic tables and some 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".
We begin the Backbone Trek at La Jolla Canyon in Point Mugu State Park. After unloading individual equipment and shuttling private vehicles to a secure parking area, hikers will have an opportunity to meet with the other hikers and the BBT volunteers, share a light dinner and receive an event orientation. Our Backbone Trek culminates 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.
Drop Off Suggestions - If you are being dropped off at La Jolla Canyon, your pickup at the end of the hike can be either at Will Rogers State Historic Park or at the secure parking area, at 39996 Pacific Coast Highway (one mile north of Leo Carrillo State Park). The planned arrival at Will Rogers is about 2 - 2:30 P.M. on May 14th, at which time we will have our farewell lunch until 3:30 or so. After lunch, we will have a van shuttle to the secure parking area where you will meet up with your camping gear and vehicles by about 4:30 P.M. Your pickup driver is welcome to take part in the farewell lunch at Will Rogers State historic Park.
Backbone Trail Odometer Readings
[Begin:0][Miles:8.2][Cumulative:8.2][Gain:1330]
Backbone Trail Odometer Readings
[Begin:8.2][Miles:13.2][Gain:3700][Cumulative:21.4,5,030']
Backbone Trail Odometer Readings
[Begin:21.4][Miles:12.7][Cumulative:34.1]
Backbone Trail Odometer Readings
[Begin:34.1][Miles:9.8][Cumulative:43.9]
Backbone Trail Odometer Readings
[Begin:43.9][Miles:7.1][Cumulative:51.0]
Backbone Trail Odometer Readings
[Begin:51.0][Miles:7.6][Cumulative:58.6]
Backbone Trail Odometer Readings
[Begin:58.6][Miles:9.6][Cumulative:68.2]
Frequently Asked Questions - Submit your Backbone Trek questions to John Kross Click to Send Email to John Kross or registration questions to backbonetrek@yahoo.com.
What are the toilet facilities like?
Each night we will be camping at an established campground with toilet facilities. There will be periodic "split breaks" on the trail during the day.
Cell Phone Coverage?
There is usually poor cell phone coverage in the campgrounds. However, during the days we will be hiking over and along high ridges, which usually permit cell phone service.
Will there be facilities to recharge the batteries in our cell phone and camera?
Yes. Some of the campgrounds have electric outlets. We will also have a portable charging station available for the other sites. Be sure to bring your adapter for AC or auto outlets.
During the trek, will we be reachable in the event of an emergency?
Prior to the trek, you will be provided with an emergency number which friends or family may use to get in touch in case of an emergency.
Will special dietary needs be accommodated?
Special dietary needs may be accommodated if the staff is notified in advance. Send your requirements to the BBTrek coordinator at backbonetrek@yahoo.com.
I am a slow hiker. How fast is the pace?
We usually maintain a pace of about 2 miles per hour. However, we accommodate hikers of all abilities. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the views, take pictures, etc. Each day's hike is classified as moderate or difficult. However, keep in mind a 10-mile hike every day, with elevation changes, may have a cumulative effect on one's physical condition, increasing the difficulty as the hike progresses day to day.
I am curious about where the camping sites are located. I'm not aware of enough campgrounds spaced at the necessary distances for the hike.
Three of the campgrounds are on or near the trail: La Jolla Group Campground, Danielson Group Campground and Musch Camp. Circle X Group Camp and Malibu Creek Group Camp are not on the trail and for those days a shuttle will be utilized. Campgrounds for each night of the trek are listed in the Itinerary
Will we have to pump water?
No. There is potable water in all the campgrounds. You will have carry your full day's supply each day on the trail.
Will we be exposed to Poison Oak on the Backbone Trail?
Yes. We can expect to encounter Poison Oak on many sections of the trail. All hikers should be sure to bring protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeve shirts. If you are one of those folks who have a reaction to the plant, you should consider bringing a treatment such as "Tecnu®").
Here's a basic list to help you pack for the Backbone Trek. Our checklist is a tried and true minimal list of items to bring. Consider that temperatures can range from a minimum of 48 to a maximum of 103 degrees.
Equipment: Sleeping bag, pad and ground cloth, tarp or tent to protect against insects. A pillow may make your sleeping more comfortable.
Clothing: Rain would be unusual, but coastal fog is likely, so a rain resistant windbreaker with layers should be the best combination. Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes and good hiking socks for the trail; comfortable shoes to wear in camp; and a hat are musts. It is likely that it will be sunny and hot at least some of the time. Shorts would be OK on most days.
Eating Utensils: Bring your own cup, plate, bowl and eating utensils; plastic container to carry your sandwich and for leftovers; cloth napkin and dish towel.
Personal Items: Bring a towel, soap, shampoo, comb, hairbrush, chap-stick, sunscreen and dental care items. For two days we will be without showers, so you might want to bring a solar shower if a daily shower is important to you.
Basic First Aid: Bring first aid supplies such as bandages, insect repellent, aspirin, moleskin for blister protection and your own special needs. Bring any prescription medications you require.
Trail Items: Bring a daypack, 3 liters of water (water bottles or hydration bladder) and sunglasses. Camera, notebook and pen, and binoculars (optional).
Chairs: I recommend one of those lightweight camp seats that fold up into a small cylindrical stuff sack. The stores call them sling chairs or hammock chairs.
Other Stuff: A flashlight and extra batteries are essential. You’ll want some money for extras (we will be making shopping runs during the week.)
The bottom line: We will have a large truck to haul your equipment, so you don't have to be too weight conscious. However, you will have to pack/unpack and load/unload your own equipment each day, so don't bring the kitchen sink.
Optional Activities:
Will there be time on the hikes to do some geocaching?
Yes. We will maintain a pace to allow everyone time to enjoy the views, take pictures, geocache, etc.
Do you anticipate there will be many wildflowers to see?
We typically see 140 to 150 blooming species during the hike. Even in low rainfall years we manage to see many different flowers. If you need a reference for wildflowers in the Santa Monica Mountains, we recommend Wildflowers of the Santa Monica Mountains, by Milt McAuley, second edition, 1996.
Our association with the Backbone Trail began nearly fifty years ago. Envisioning the Backbone Trail, funding construction of several segments, to continually maintaining the trail. The trek is one more way to share our passion for this trail with the public.
The Backbone Trek, organized and run by volunteers is a week-long journey into the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains. Jerry, Dave, Diane, Barry, John, Barb, and Carlyn have teamed together to share their enthusiasm because of the idea that the Backbone Trail represents: a sixty-seven-mile walk that immerses one into a surprising and diverse natural environment.