The Historic Santa Monica Mountains’ Backbone Trail
Outside Magazine recently named the Santa Monica Mountains’ Backbone Trail as one of the 10 Most Beautiful Hikes in the World. Santa Monica Mountains Fund’s Trail Crew works to maintain the trail. The Backbone Trail is an incredibly important part of the history and preservation of California as well as the United States. Work on building the trail, connecting the East and West of the Santa Monica Mountains, began in the 1970s with the final stage of the trail completed in 2016. It now stretches 67 miles across the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and can be accessed by 12 official trailheads.
The Backbone Trail is the best-protected stretch of Mediterranean habitat in the world and is vital for the protection of indigenous biodiversity. There are numerous plants and animals to be found as you hike the trail, through a number of different ecosystems enjoying the peace and connection with the natural world as you escape the bustle of city life.
Before she moved back to the UK, our previous Executive Director of SAMO Fund, Charlotte Parry, took on the Backbone Trail Challenge. With her husband, they hiked the entire 67-mile trail in 10 stages. Charlotte kept track of their journey, writing a series for our website, documenting their experience and route for each section of the trail, recording plants, features and beautiful views. She also gave lots of helpful tips to bear in mind in preparation for hiking a challenging trail, including the importance of staying hydrated; being careful of crossing creeks; what equipment to carry - a first-aid kit is a necessity!
Anyone wanting to know the reality of hiking the Backbone Trail and how to prepare, will find everything they need and more in this blog. There are many photos on the blog illustrating the amazing views and unique features as well as the variety of plants, and animals they encountered that will make you want to get out and on the trail, immediately!
