Ranger to give free talk about Backbone Trail

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Hikers from the 2010 Backbone Trek. The 67-mile follows the Backbone Trail from Ventura County to Pacific Palisades. The Trek progresses across a patchwork of public lands, including state parks, national parkland and other land holdings, following ridges as well as tree-shaded valleys and open chaparral.

Calling all hikers: This week, you can join a National Park Services ranger for an evening of learning about the Santa Monica Mountain’s scenic Backbone Trail,  a nearly 70-mile trail stretching from Will Rogers State Historic Park to Point Mugu State Park.

Ranger Mike Theune will give an hour-and-a-half presentation about the “Backbone Trail: Past, Present, Future,” covering the history of the trail to how to prepare to hike it on Tuesday at Temescal Gateway Park. Theune’s talk will begin at 7:30 p.m., and both parking and the presentation are free.

The scenic trail winds its way through woodlands, canyons and ocean views throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. It passes through parts of Malibu including Malibu Creek State Park.

NPS volunteers also lead a series of eight hikes covering the entire trail for experienced hikers. Rangers will lead each hike of about 8.5 miles every second and fourth Saturday beginning in January 2014. Applications are required and will be accepted via email beginning Oct. 1. More information can be found on the NPS website.