Backbone Trail - Zuma Canyon

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

easy

Length: 2.53 mi

Est. time: 1h 6m

Gain: 445 ft

Loss: 627 ft

Max elev: 1,725 ft

Point-to-pointUnknownhike

Elevation profile

+445 ft gain · −627 ft loss — an estimate from a DEM.

Trailhead & logistics

Trailhead parking (Place)

Santa Monica Mountains Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center (VisitorCenter)

Build a loop

Connects to:

Backbone Trail Connector Backbone Trail - Newton Canyon Zuma Ridge Motorway

Connect the dots

Learn:

National Park Legacy - Battle the Bully Plants and Conserve Water! Grades 5 - 6 National Park Legacy - Coyotes in our Cities! Grades 3 - 4 National Park Legacy - Light Right at Night! Grades 7 - 8 National Park Legacy - Santa Monica Mountain Lions Grades 9 - 12 National Park Legacy - Wildlife in Cities Grades K - 2 National Parks Legacy: Nature and Culture...NPS Protects Both! Grades Pre K-1

Journeys:

Alice Ballard

Plan smart, verify on site

Length, elevation, and difficulty are estimates derived from open data (NPS Public Trails GIS, medium confidence) — not a safety guarantee. Conditions change; check current closures, weather, and water, and carry the essentials. Always defer to NPS.gov and park rangers.

View Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area →Find more trails →