Our sixth Wilderness Adventures Section Fall 2026 Backbone Trail hike in the Santa Monica Mountains will be 8 miles with 1300′ gain on the BBT through Newton, Zuma, and Trancas Canyons. We will start at the Latigo Canyon Trailhead taking the Backbone Trail across Kanan Road then taking the Zuma Canyon Trail over to Encinal Canyon.The outing will be a one-way shuttle hike. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude.
We will meet at 7:30 AM at the Backbone Trail at Encinal Canyon Trailhead. From PCH go 6 miles north on Kanan Dume Road to Mulholland Hwy then west 3 miles on Encinal Canyon Road to shoulder parking on north side of road just east of Fire Camp #13.From the meeting point at the Encinal Canyon Trailhead we will car shuttle 7 miles to the start point at the Latigo Canyon Trailhead. 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.
