Backbone Trail @ Hondo Canyon

• IF it rains, we'll reschedule this hike for another week. We'll make the call Tuesday night, so check back before you go.

It's time to hit Hondo Canyon again! We'll join the Backbone Trail in Topanga and start out with a steady uphill climb, 4.2 miles to be precise, but it's fairly gentle. Heading all the way up to the turning point at Saddle Peak, we should get some great views of the ocean on one side and the San Fernando Valley on the other if we get a clear day. It's an out and back, with some very cool rock formations in the canyon.

The trailhead is on the left hand side about half a mile north on Old Topanga Cyn Rd from the junction with Topanga Cyn Blvd. It's not very clearly marked but there is parking on the dirt there.

If needed further directions are: Take the 101 freeway to Topanga Canyon Blvd. From the 101, head south 5 miles or so to the intersection with Old Topanga Canyon Road. You'll end up in the middle of the Topanga commercial area (next to the Inn of the Seventh Ray restaurant). Turn right on Old Topanga and go 1/4 mile to the trailhead. The trail goes west from where we park, crossing a stream, then heads all the way up the hill to Saddle Peak.

Coming from PCH, head north on Topanga Canyon, then left on Old Topanga.