Our 20th Annual Backbone Trek!
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, 2025. No refunds can be given after April 3rd, 2025. Cancellation and request for refund can be made by mail (addressed to the registrar) or by e-mail to brusselars@gmail.com and acknowledged by the registrar.
Although highly recommended, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not “required” for the 2024 Backbone Trek. It should be noted however, that the COVID-19 community level for both Ventura and Los Angeles Counties is still rated as “Medium”. All participants are advised to comply with the COVID-19 Prevention Actions published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please do not attend if you test positive within 14 days of, or if you are showing symptoms at the beginning event. A full refund of fees will be provided for COVID-19 related cancellations.
In the mornings, hikers prepare their own breakfast, lunch and trail snacks from an assortment of provided "fixings". If needed, our driver will transport you to the trailhead for the days hike.
You carry a daypack with water, snacks and your personal essentials. We provide encouragement and information about the area we are passing thru (plants, geology or historical). Each day of the trek, our volunteers will lead and sweep the hike.
At the end of each day's hike, our volunteers transport you to the campsite of the day. During the time you were hiking, we move your camping equipment between campgrounds.
Accommodations at the campgrounds vary, however, all have potable water, toilets, picnic tables and some have shower facilities. Hot meals prepared by volunteers are served every evening.
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.
Since we do not conduct the Backbone Trek as a fund raiser, we are frequently asked, “Why do you do this?” In simple terms, we do this in the hope of creating “Land Stewards”. What is a Land Steward, you may ask. The short definition of a steward is “a person who manages another’s property or affairs”.
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, is often referred to as the Nation’s largest urban park. It is over 150,000 acres in size. It’s Mediterranean climate and unique geology supports several plant communities. In turn, this environment supports an amazing wildlife diversity. During the trek you will likely observe over one hundred different blooming species.
We hope that during this hike, you will develop an appreciation for how extremely fortunate we are to have this beautiful wilderness parkland right in our backyard. While enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains, you will also see evidence of the many threats to the environment. These threats take several forms; fires, floods, declining habitat and human development. This park was established by the extremely hard and long efforts of many individuals and organizations. But it is under constant threat from the numerous threats mentioned. If the mountains are to remain the beautiful place that they are, constant vigilance is required by many people or “stewards”. We hope that each Backbone Trek participant will become one of these “stewards” and aid in the management and preservation of the natural beauty of these mountains. Stewardship can be performed in many ways; e.g. direct active volunteering, financial donations to supporting organizations, actively supporting groups and organizations involved in the many activities to protect and manage the parks and by supporting political leaders committed to preserving parkland and the environment in general.
Frequently Asked Questions - Submit your Backbone Trek questions to Don Brusselars Click to Send Email to Don Brusselars 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.
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 10th, 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]
Debi had some big shoes to fill in 2023. One of the BBTs long-time team of volunteers, Diana and her hubby Mel, retired and passed the torch to Debi.
Debi successfully led her first trek and has now completed 11 Backbone treks! She enjoys hiking, sailing, backpacking and camping.
Debi will be there to address any questions you may have and to keep the team moving forward. She feels there are so many great take aways from the trek and her favorite is the life-long friends you make.