Another spectacular section of the Backbone Trail…this hike includes staggering views of pink colored sedimentary rock formations known as the Sespe Formation, Hondo canyon’s pink “V” gourge, beautifully shaded live oak, streams and a sloping green meadow. Its perhaps one of the shadiest sections of the Backbone Trail. At the top we will see many fossils in the sandstone.
The hike is OaB and can be adjusted according to weather conditions. Lots of shade along this one (plus some clouds are predicted in Topanga as of this writing), but bring plenty of water; I recommend 2 quarts.
HISTORY
I’ll show you a bay tree woodland in Hondo Canyon that was the home of Paul C. Bragg. Bragg was a pioneer in the health food movement in California. He had a chain of health food stores and popular radio shows in the 30s and 40s. He was the inspiration and teacher for later healthy living teachers like Jack LaLanne. His abandoned vacation cabin was here until the early 1990s, but was burned in the 1993 fire. There are still some artifacts.
Hike will be 6-8 miles depending on weather/group and is rated MEDIUM due to terrain. See the Hike Rating guide https://www.hikingwithdean.com/hike-rating-guide/
DIRECTIONS:
Meet at backbone trailhead on south side of Old Topanga Road, 1/4 mile west of Topanga Canyon. Park on south side of street
Close-by parking is limited — be early!
