Wolfgang Jahn, Hike Leader

Summary: Basic hike climbs out of the park to the junction with the Backbone trail, then follows the Backbone as far as one wishes.

Directions to Trailhead: Valley folks can take Topanga Canyon Road to PCH, and then south to Sunset Blvd. About 3 miles up Sunset turn left on Will Rogers State Park Road. Alternately, take the 405 freeway to Sunset Blvd, go west about 7 miles, and then right on Will Rogers State Park Road.

Coming from the south, take PCH to Sunset Blvd. and follow instructions above. Note that there is a parking fee of $11 for seniors, or you can use a pass from the California State Park Foundation.

The Hike: The basic hike starts from the picnic area up a service road to the Inspiration Loop Trail, turn left onto the trail to do the loop clockwise. Just north of Inspiration Point we will come upon a fork with the Backbone Trail. Turn left up the Backbone Trail and continue until your heart is content. A nice spot for lunch is a massive oak tree on the trail at about 1 mile beyond the Backbone junction. Return back down to Inspiration Loop Trail, turn left to complete the clockwise loop back to the picnic area.

Short hikers can continue clockwise on the Inspiration Loop Trail for a total of about 2 miles with about 300 ft. elevation gain.

A dry weather option for this hike is Rustic Canyon.  See for instance hike #1270.  However this option is not recommended during the rainy season.

Google Earth photo - Will Rogers to Backbone Trail

GPS Data:
Basic Hike: (Yellow trace) RT=8.5 miles or more; elev. gain = 950 ft..

2018-07-05