A vision of local hikers and nature lovers for over 50 years, the Backbone Trail traverses the  Santa Monica Mountains ridgeline for 68 rugged, sage-scented miles. The point-to-point course starts at Will Rogers State Park in Richie Rich Brentwood and heads up coast, collecting nearly 15,000 knee-knackering feet of elevation before a spectacularly scenic finish down the unparalleled Ray Miller Trail. Along the way, runners are treated to gorgeous Pacific Ocean views, shaded canyons lined with scrub oak, massive limestone boulder formations, ancient fossils and modern graffiti frescoes.

Turn by turn Directions

Weather

Prior players will attest to this: expect – and come prepared for – any and all temperatures and weather conditions. Day-to-night temperatures can vary wildly, and the mountains and valleys serve up multiple micro-climates even betwixt aid stations. Don’t be fooled by your Baywatch-inspired notions of mild beach climates – layer people, layer.

An El Nino year. That’s Spanish for “Mother Nature is throwin’ it down.”