3.9 hr
Overview
From the upper end of the Eagle Springs Fire Road, this section of the Backbone Trail starts at "The Hub". Head uphill towards Eagle Rock, an interesting place to stop and check out the views. <br><br>At the top, you\u2019ll stay to the right and head around to the Backbone singletrack, a descent that has plenty of fun and flow, a very playful downhill experience. <br><br>As you make your way back to the trailhead, you'll encounter a mix of fast, open ridgeline sections, short sections in the trees, and unlimited views. The vegetation cover changes throughout with everything from chaparral and open meadows to oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub.<br><br>Take care near the J-Drop (Josepho Spur Trail) intersection above Chicken Bridges. The trail skirts an exposed sidehill with a sketchy-looking railing before crossing the bridges, one metal and one made of dirt. <br><br>The lower part of the descent is swooping and playful, connecting a series of small ridges. Take care with your speed on this section - there will be a lot of users headed uphill from the Will Rogers trailhead.<br><br>The route ends just above the polo fields on wide doubletrack lined by large trees.
Trail Stats
14.4 km
195 m
630 m
144 m
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Photos
SoCal singletrack
SoCal singletrack
A really fun section weaving through the trees at high speed.
A really fun section weaving through the trees at high speed.
Easy, flowing section
Easy, flowing section
Accelerating after a switchback
Accelerating after a switchback
Trailhead at the top
Trailhead at the top
Fast approach to some chunky stuff.
Fast approach to some chunky stuff.
Powering through a tree tunnel on one of the flatter, shaded sections.
Powering through a tree tunnel on one of the flatter, shaded sections.
The beginning of the Backbone Trail, at the top of Inspiration Loop Trail in Will rogers State Park.
The beginning of the Backbone Trail, at the top of Inspiration Loop Trail in Will rogers State Park.
Singletrack on Backbone.
Singletrack on Backbone.
Panorama overlooking the bridge on this section of the Backbone Trail.
Panorama overlooking the bridge on this section of the Backbone Trail.
About 1.0 mile up, looking into Santa Monica+Pacific Ocean
About 1.0 mile up, looking into Santa Monica+Pacific Ocean
Hike-A-Bike to the ridge bridge. Santa Monica Bay, where Sunset Blvd meets the Pacific beyond.
Hike-A-Bike to the ridge bridge. Santa Monica Bay, where Sunset Blvd meets the Pacific beyond.
One of only a few switchbacks on the Backbone Trail
One of only a few switchbacks on the Backbone Trail
Good rest stop, halfway up Backbone.
Good rest stop, halfway up Backbone.
The Hub at dusk. It looks lonely here, but this is the confluence of several trails and roads in the area and a good place to make new friends. Shade, trash, and restroom available, but no water.
The Hub at dusk. It looks lonely here, but this is the confluence of several trails and roads in the area and a good place to make new friends. Shade, trash, and restroom available, but no water.