Serious hikers will explore Backbone
The sixth annual seven-day trek along the Santa Monica Mountains Backbone Trail will begin on Sat., May 6, providing a 65-mile guided wilderness experience within sight of Los Angeles.
Source of this article – Thousand Oaks Acorn, April 6, 2006
Hikers will assemble at the western end of the trail just off Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County and hike about 10 miles daily until arriving on Sat., May 13 at Will Rogers State Historic Park just off Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades.
The Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council, an organization dedicated to the establishment and maintenance of the public trail system throughout the Santa Monica Mountains, has organized Backbone Trek 2006 to provide an opportunity to enjoy the entire Backbone Trail.
Hiking guides are passionate, experienced volunteers. As interpreters, they can answer most questions on flora, fauna, geology and history of the region.
Organizers advise that the trek is not for the casual hiker. A support team will carry the camping equipment and sleeping bags and provide meals each morning and evening, but hikers will be expected to complete the miles, including average elevation gains and losses of 1,500 feet per day.
Hikers will also carry a light daypack with water, lunch and other incidentals.
The $500 fee will cover campgrounds, equipment transportation, insurance and meals. Members of the trails council pay $450.
Annual membership in the trails council is open to any interested person for $35. The trek is limited to 25 hikers.
To receive more information on Backbone Trek 2006, call the registrar, Annie Salerno, at (818) 705-9192 or e-mail anniesalerno @ yahoo.com
