Climb and Explore the Unique Terrain of Backbone Trail
Not far from the busy city of Los Angeles, rests the quiet and beautiful beach city of Malibu. Obviously Malibu’s number one attraction is the beach. But did you know that there are several hiking trails located just above Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains?
We’re lucky to have randomly stumbled upon what is now one of our favorite nature spots up in these mountains.
To this day, the beauty and uniqueness of Backbone Trail always has us coming back for more.
What is Backbone Trail?
First of all, Backbone Trail is a whopping 67 miles long! The trail name “Backbone” was coined, because it literally runs through the entire range of the Santa Monica Mountains.
For me, I like to think it’s named due to the diverse rock formations scattered along the trail. Literally like the rocky backbone of the mountains!
If you are up for a challenge, you can choose to hike all 67 miles of Backbone Trail. If you do so, we recommend traveling with a group rather than by yourself for safety.
Keeping it Short and Sweet
For many, hiking parts of the trail at a time is preferred to the lengthier excursion that requires backpacking gear and at least a few days of continual hiking. To reach the area we’re referencing specifically, you actually don’t even need to hike!
We want to show you where you can access some of the charm of Backbone Trail within 5 minutes of parking your car. This short excursion makes for a perfect trip if you only have one day or weekend for travel.
(And no, you don’t need to rock climb or scramble like I am in the image below.)
How to Get to Backbone Trail (one of many trailheads)
In total, there are 12 trailheads located along Backbone Trail. To reach this specific location, you can easily access it by car.
Take Corral Canyon Rd from Pacific Coast Highway, and head up the mountain for about 5 miles. After about 15 minutes, you will see a dirt trailhead on the right. On Google Maps it is called Mesa Peak Motorway. This is where you will enter. There is unmarked dirt parking on each side of the road.
If needed, here are the exact coordinates you can plug into Google Maps: 34°04’44.4″N 118°45’20.1″W.
You can also view the map marker below at the bottom of this post. This is the exact location where we start the trail.
How Long is the Hike?
For us, it only takes about 5- 10 minutes to reach the rock formations we are referring to. Even less if you like to walk faster than a stroll.
If you want, you can continue to hike longer along the trail all the way to Mesa Peak which is around 6.5 mile round trip.
Read more information on the longer hike to Mesa Peak in detail by Hikespeak.com.
Hiking doesn’t need to be big on your list to enjoy spending a day exploring the immediate area of this location. The vistas and minor rock scrambling will keep you entertained for hours.
After walking about .3 miles on Mesa Peak Motorway, you will see on your left some of the huge rock structures of Backbone Trail. They’re impossible to miss!
A Favorite Natural Playground
Climbing on these tall rock formations really makes us feel like kids again. We love to scramble all along the boulders, explore the many different crevices, and see the incredible views atop the highest perch.
In the past, we’ve brought a few blankets to lay inside some of the small nooks within the rock. We either bring food for a picnic or just relax and take in the scenery.
What’s nice is the rocks themselves have a very grippy texture. You should have no trouble climbing as long as you have the appropriate shoes!
Generally, trekking anywhere in a nice pair of hiking shoes is always preferred. However in this case, sneakers with waffle grip will do just fine.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy the View!
From some of the higher points of the rocks, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Views just as stunning as the ones we saw at Torrey Pines State Reserve, an extremely scenic coastal mesa near San Diego.
In the other direction, you are granted with vast views of the beautiful green valley, rippling with mountains.
This part of Backbone Trail is perfect for a lazy Sunday when we crave nature but aren’t looking to do a strenuous hike.
For the best (and most romantic) views, we definitely recommend staying till sunset.
Finding the Labyrinth on Backbone Trail
If you continue further down the trail, you will quickly come up on a labyrinth, composed of small to medium sized rocks. This sits below more climbable rock structures, similar to the previous ones.
Nathan and I love discovering these labyrinths in the wild!
Not only are they lovely to view, they also posses healing and meditative qualities for those who walk them. More commonly known as a “Prayer Labyrinth.”
The goal is to start from the beginning and follow the path all the way to the center. While going in, you contemplate life. You arrive at the center and turn around, following the same trail back out.
While going out, all your thoughts and feelings should fleet. Upon exiting the labyrinth, you should feel refreshed and renewed. Now cleansed of all the weight you carried as you first entered the labyrinth.
Help Maintain the Labyrinth for Future Visitors
Last time we were here, majority of the labyrinth was disfigured and out of place. Just barely holding on to its original path. It actually made me a bit sad seeing it so messed up.
With a little time and determination, Nathan and I were able to re-arrange the rocks and restore the labyrinth back to its original form! We were once again able to walk along its full path.
Hopefully next time we visit, the labyrinth is still in place and able to be walked. If not, I won’t hesitate to fix it once again!
Nearby Food to End (or Start) the Day!
After roaming the grounds, we always like to end our day grabbing dinner at Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market. Located at the bottom of the mountain right off of PCH, not too far from Backbone Trail. They have an amazing selection of seafood from fish and chips, to scallops, to fish sandwiches, and grilled seafood plates.
Best part – oceanic views from their outdoor patio!
Second Best Part – It’s BYOB. Bring your own beer and wine to enjoy alongside your food.
And of course if you have the time, we recommend staying in Malibu for a few days to roam the Santa Monica Mountains, lay by the beach, and enjoy the small city with all it’s delicious food and amenities.
One of our favorite coastal cities in southern California.
Make Backbone Trail Part of Your Trip to Malibu
The city of Malibu boasts gorgeous beaches, delicious restaurants, and magnificent hiking trails. We immediately fell in love with the scenery of Backbone Trail from just the little we saw.
If you have the whole day or longer, gear up and hike the many miles of Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains! Or if you just want to relax in nature without hiking, you can do so from numerous points along the trail.
We specifically love the one off of Coral Canyon Rd for its large, climbable rock structures and meditative labyrinth. It’s always a great place to unwind and refresh.
If you liked this, then you might enjoy scrambling the uneven grounds of Sunken City, not too far away in San Pedro California!
Have you hiked Backbone Trail before? Where were you favorite spots on the trail? Share with us in the comments below!
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