Backbone Trail No.3: Latigo Canyon to Castro Crest Motorway

Saturday July 3, 2010

Malibu, California

Not sunny, but not gloomy, just chilly for Malibu

Last weekend, I hiked a part of the Backbone Trail that I've never done before.   I did the Latigo Canyon to Castro Crest Motorway and back trail.  The trail head is at Latigo Canyon Road and can be difficult to find.  There is a big rock on the road across the street from the trail head but many people miss it.  So it can be frustrating.  Anyhow, the easiest way to find it is to take Latigo Canyon from Kanan Dume and the trail head will be on your left about 2.2 miles from Kanan Dume. 

When I left Malibu that early Sunday morning, June Gloom was in effect so it was quite chilly ( upper 50s) with damp air. But when I got to the trail head, I was above the marine layer and in close to 80 degree weather with the sun pounding on me.  Again, I forgot to bring water so at the end of the hike got a bit dehydrated.  But all in all I did a total of about 4 miles (3 miles round trip on the backbone trail and 1 mile detour which I will explain later).   It was not a difficult hike although there are some uphill climbing.  Also, mountain bikers are allowed to use the trail so be careful especially when going downhill.

The Start of the Trail

It starts flat and if I came about a month earlier, it would have been surrounded with wildflowers in full bloom.  Dry season is kicking in, so the mountain are turning brown.

View of Malibu from the beginning of the trail.  Can't see Malibu though because of the marine layer! (eg, the SoCal term for fog)

The trail then goes down a shaded valley which was a relief from the hot sun.  Next time, I must bring water and a hat. 

It turns out I did not miss out on all the wild flowers, some were still in bloom.

But most plants were turning brown with only a few flowers left.

The latter half of the trail is a gentle uphill.  But not so gentle in that your heart rate will get going.

At the end of the trail, you are treated to a magnificent view of the Santa Monica Mountains.

I then saw a sign that said "Private Road" in 0.5 miles.  So I got curious and walked the 0.5 miles straight uphill.

And finally ran into a lizard that was slow enough so I could take a picture. You have to look carefully because the color of the lizard is the same as the road.

And then found the private road.  I guess the owners really don't want anyone to trespass.  You think?

But I was treated to another view of Malibu covered by the marine layer.  I'll have to take this trail again in the winter time when the skies are clear to check out the views.