Backbone Trail to Zuma Canyon

This 21.1-mile out-and-back route takes place in the western Santa Monica Mountains and offers a scenic mix of ridgeline views, canyon exploration, and ocean views. Starting from the Backbone Canyon Trailhead off Encinal Canyon Road, the route links together the Backbone Trail, Zuma Ridge, and several canyon trails to create a rewarding and quiet long-distance adventure. Expect rolling climbs, wide-open views, and a good mix of sun and shade as you travel through classic coastal chaparral terrain.

The route starts off with a steady climb along the Backbone Trail through stands of coastal sage scrub and laurel sumac. You’ll gain elevation quickly and connect to the wide, open Zuma Ridge Trail, with big views west toward the ocean and east toward the mountains.

At the Busch Trailhead, the adventure dips into Zuma Canyon via the Rim Trail, descending into oak woodland and riparian habitat. You’ll follow the Zuma Canyon Trail deeper into the drainage until it ends, where you’ll turn around and backtrack just enough to connect with the Canyon View Trail.

This short loop detour climbs up and links with the Ocean View Trail—appropriately named, as it delivers excellent vantage points of the Pacific—before rejoining Zuma Ridge Trail. From here, retrace your steps back across the ridge and descend to the Backbone Canyon Trailhead.

FLORA AND FAUNA
This route showcases classic SoCal coastal vegetation: chaparral-covered ridgelines, shaded oak groves, and aromatic coastal sage. Wildflowers like bush lupine, sticky monkeyflower, and California poppies dot the trail in spring. You might spot mule deer, red-tailed hawks, quail, or even a bobcat if you’re lucky. Keep an eye (and ear) out for rattlesnakes during warmer months, especially in exposed areas.

NEED TO KNOW

• No permits are required.

• There’s limited shade, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.

• The trail can be brushy in places—long pants recommended.

• The national park service does not recommend drinking from streams in the area. Visitors should plan to bring sufficient food and water. 

PRECAUTIONS

Potentially hazardous plants and animals that are common to the area includes:

• Ticks

• Bees

• Rattlesnakes

• Poison Oak

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

National Park Service: 1-805-370-2301, https://www.nps.gov/samo/contacts.htm.