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A well-maintained segment of the Backbone Trail with a gentle grade and beautiful views.


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Map Key

4.7

Miles

7.5

KM

Singletrack

2,389' 728 m

High

2,001' 610 m

Low

483' 147 m

Up

441' 134 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Not a good place to ride after a storm.

Description

There's no easy/fast way to get to this section of the Backbone Trail. Option one is to drive up Little Sycamore Canyon (L.A. County)/Yerba Buena (Ventura County) from Mulholland Hwy and park at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead.

Option two is to park at the Encinal Canyon trailhead and take the Backbone Trail: Encincal Canyon Rd to Etz Meloy Bypass.

The trail itself is really fun! It's well maintained - no overgrown vegetation or deep trenches - and the grade remains gentle for the most of it with some exceptions. There are two bailout sections that will lead you back to the main road (Yerba Buena) and there is an access to a (steep) fire road that takes you to Yellow Hill; an overlook peak.

The views of the Pacific Ocean and the mountains are amazing! And you'll quickly notice that you are indeed in the highest parts of the Santa Monica Mountains - Sandstone Peak (3,000+ feet) is just a few miles away.

The trail is 100% singletrack and is good for someone who's learning to mountain bike. There are not too many, if any, technical sections.

Contacts

Shared By:

Doron Weinstein

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 7 votes

#10323

Overall
  4.1 from 7 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#657

in California

#10,323

Overall
5 Views Last Month
744 Since Nov 21, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Backbone at Yerba Buena/Mishe Mokwa
Jan 5, 2016 near Casa Co…, CA
Rock outcroppings hidden from view unless you're up on this trail...so get out there!
Oct 13, 2018 near Casa Co…, CA
Vista point on the Backbone looking southwest.
Oct 13, 2018 near Casa Co…, CA
Backbone at Yerba Buena
Jan 21, 2021 near Thousan…, CA

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Feb 6, 2021
mojojojo Cee
out and back. 9.3mi — 1h 32m
Jan 23, 2020
Mitch Burggraf
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