Our fourth Wilderness Adventures Section Fall 2026 Backbone Trail hike in the Santa Monica Mountains will be 7 miles with 600 elevation gain on the BBT going from Lois Ewen Overlook to Tapia Park. The hike will climb past Saddle Peak and then descend along the Saddle Peak Trail crossing Piuma Road to the Piuma Ridge Trail back to the start. The outing will be a one-way shuttle hike. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude.
Meet at the Backbone Trailhead, Malibu Creek State Park parking lot at 7:30 AM. From PCH go north on Malibu Canyon Road for 8 miles after the tunnel to the dirt lot on the left or from the 101 go south on Las Virgenes for 5 miles past Piuma Road to the dirt lot on the right before the tunnel. From the meeting point at the Malibu Creek State Park Backbone Trailhead we will car shuttle 8 miles on Stunt Road to the start point at Lois Ewen Overlook. Carpools are encouraged.
This is a Front Country hike. A medical form is recommended, but not required. If you have one, please carry it with you. Copies of the form will be available to fill out at the trailhead as well.
