But most of all, it has to be the flowers. I particularly enjoyed stream hopping in Solstice Canyon (part 6) and the sense of wilderness beyond Sandstone Peak (part 3) as well as all the stunning views. What we liked most:Nearly all of it for different reasons. And part 2 was done out of order because it was a very hot day and we wanted shade. But, on parts 3 and 8 of the hike, we went east to west as descending over 1,600 ft seemed preferable to the reverse. What direction:Mostly, we went in order from west to east starting at the Ray Miller trailhead and finishing at Will Rogers state park dividing the trail into 10 sections. But, on a couple of occasions, I was very tired at the end of the day. As a reasonably fit 50-something, I found it very doable. So, do a few practice hikes and work out your fitness levels. Some people will find it easy and other may find it too tough. The BBT is considered moderately strenuous in the guidebooks. If you do take on this challenge later in the year, consider starting very early in the morning to get the best of the weather. The hills are more likely to be green rather than California gold (brown), and many are covered in flowers. You will see a vast array of plants and flowers. We recommend doing the hike from January through May before the summer heat kicks in. Not forgetting the geological and cultural landscape from fossils trailside to ranching artifacts, 10,000 years of human habitation (and modern graffiti). You will see an incredible variety of landscapes: shady woodland, deep canyons, vast ocean panoramas, huge rocky outcrops, dry chaparral, high country creeks, green meadows, dry ravines and, of course, the Los Angeles skyline. What to expect:This is a beautiful hike – no question. Or, if you insist on hiking alone, tell someone where you are going and when you aim to return so they can raise the alarm if you don’t check in on time. We also scanned and printed the relevant pages from The Complete Hiker’s Guide to the Backbone Trail as a back-up. The phone signal is not reliable and, although the trail is mostly well-marked, there are times when this is not the case. Or, you might simply want to enjoy a picnic at one of the stunning viewpoints.Īlways take a map. You may get wobbly and just need a bit of energy to get you through that last mile to the finish line. It might even rain one day!Īlso, bring food. Whatever you decide, always carry a first aid pack in case of trips, cuts, bruises etc. So, work out what equipment works for you and feels safe before embarking on a long hike. It stops my hands swelling and provides balance on the rocky trails, particularly the steep descents. Sneakers won’t cut it.Įquipment – I always hike with sticks. There will be rocky, steep sections on part of every hike and in places it will be gravelly and slippery. Shoes – always wear proper hiking shoes / boots. Know the symptoms of heat sickness so you are aware if it starts to hit. Dehydration is very unpleasant and can be dangerous. And bring at least one quart of water for every hour that you’ll be hiking. Dehydration can be a real problem in this heat. So, as the famous Scout motto states, it’s vital to ‘Be Prepared’.įirst off, water. It may be very close to the city and, in places, within spitting distance of suburban communities, but some sections are very remote. What to take: There’s no doubt that hiking the Backbone Trail (BBT) has an element of adventure about it. With thanks to The Complete Hiker’s Guide to the Backbone Trail by Doug & Caroline Chamberlin
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