Backbone Trail
~5 days · 66.3 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Backbone Trail is known for
The Backbone Trail traverses the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains for about 67 miles, from the Ray Miller Trailhead at La Jolla Canyon (Point Mugu) east to Will Rogers State Historic Park above Los Angeles.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 108 ft to 9,150 ft over 66.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 29.8 mi · 45%
- Downhill 26.5 mi · 40%
- Flat 9.8 mi · 15%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Backbone Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Backbone Trail in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 66.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Backbone Trail?
The Backbone Trail climbs roughly 14,485 ft total — about 218 ft per mile, topping out near 2,995 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.