Registration Opens for the Annual Weeklong Backbone Trek

The Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council (SMMTC) is proud to sponsor the 9th annual Backbone Trek. This seven-day hike will traverse the 65-mile length of the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains and will be conducted Saturday-to-Saturday, May 2-9, 2015.

It follows ridges and canyons crossing chaparral-covered hillsides, oak woodlands, creeks and valleys. The daily hikes are rated moderate to strenuous difficulty and average about 10 miles per day, with daily elevation changes ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet. Hikers carry only a daypack with lunch, water and personal items. While this hike is much less strenuous than a backpack trip, it is not for the casual hiker. Each day's hike is classified as moderate or difficult. However, keep in mind a 10 mile hike every day may have a cumulative effect on one's physical condition, increasing the difficulty as the hike progresses day to day.

Hikers camp overnight at various campgrounds along the way. Sometimes shuttles are used to get from trailhead to campground. All meals are provided.

The fee for this event is $400 and covers all expenses. Registration begins on February 1, 2015 and closes on April 8, 2015. All registrations are by US mail only and must include completed forms and the fee.

See http://www.smmtc.org/bbtrek/ for full details.

The trek is limited to 25 participants and we expect it to fill up in the first two days of registration. If you would like to go, mail your completed registration package in on Monday, February 2nd!

http://www.smmtc.org/bbtrekpix/th_bbtrek2013_2.jpg (http://www.smmtc.org/bbtrekpix/pix_bbtrek2013_2.jpg)