Backbone Trail group hikes take slow trek through Santa Monica Mountains

Hiking the Backbone Trail is the slowest and most gratifying 65 miles you’ll ever travel in Southern California. In a region built for cars and speed, the Backbone Trail represents a return to the simple pleasures and challenges of taking your time, putting one foot in front of the other, and seeing how far you can go.

Stretching through the Santa Monica Mountains from Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades almost to the beach at Point Mugu State Park, the Backbone offers endless day hike options. But if you’ve ever wanted to trek the entire trail, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area organizes an annual guided group hike starting in January that covers the full Backbone in sections on eight alternating Saturdays. Space is limited and sign-ups begin Wednesday.

Compared to the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, the Backbone is a veritable stroll in the park. But the Backbone has its own challenges. Ralph Waycott, a hike leader and National Park Service volunteer, said that even though the highest point in the Santa Monicas is the 3,111-foot Sandstone Peak, the total elevation gain and loss on the eight hikes is 25,000 feet. Hikes also average about 8 miles a segment and are as long as 12 miles.

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