Name: Backbone Trail, part 2 to Buzzard's Roost: Harder than Part 1
Start: 2012-09-30T16:00:00-07:00
End: 2012-09-30T19:00:00-07:00
Location: Backbone Trail Parking Area

On part 2 we'll meet at the same starting point as the previous day (the link above now works), but we'll trek westward instead of to the east and we'll go until we hit where the Backbone trail meets up with a fire road. We'll then take the fire road up a long, steep incline until we get to the privately-owned, intriguingly-named Buzzard's Roost Ranch, which commands a view of the vast Pacific down below.

Beginners will likely find this hike too difficult. I found a description of this route on the web that describes it as 8 miles round trip with a 1,000' elevation gain. Thus, be sure to bring plenty of water for this hike. I would recommend 2 liters, and you may want to bring a snack as well. We'll burn lots of calories on this one.

Known Dangers include rattlesnakes and anything else that may not take a shine to you. But by attending this hike you agree that only you are responsible for your own safety or lack thereof. Chances are it will be dark before we get back to the parking lot, so bring a flashlight to be safe.

Again, HERE (http://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=376841) is a link to a map that includes both sections of the hike. Just find the Kanan Road trailhead and you'll find our two hikes.

News Flash: I just read at nps.gov that restrooms were apparently installed at this trailhead today (9-11).

Directions: I finally got the map link above to stop showing Barcelona, Spain, so you may click/look there, but it's easy. Get yourself to Kanan Dume road that runs north-south through the Santa Monica mountains. If you are coming from the PCH, go through the first tunnel and immediately look for the trailhead parking coming up fast on your left. If coming from the 101, the parking will be on your right just before you enter the third tunnel. If this lot is full, there is an overflow lot about 1/4 mile to the north on the same side of Kanan. In case there are other hikers there, it would be wise to car pool with others. Just leave a note below if you want to find or provide a ride with/for others.

Here are some pictures I took a couple years ago when I first found this hike:

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/4/f/2/event_158266322.jpeg

Can you believe that when someone goes home at the end of they day, this is where they end up?

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/5/4/c/event_158266412.jpeg

I believe that is a golf course down there in the center:

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/5/9/c/event_158266492.jpeg

Yes, Buzzard's Roost really exists.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/6/0/0/event_158266592.jpeg

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Backbone Trail, part 2 to Buzzard's Roost: Harder than Part 1

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