Inspiration Loop and Backbone Trail

This is a fun, fairly easy hike with ocean views and is perfect if you live in LA, so c'mon city-dwellers -- I'm scheduling this hike for YOU! Starting near the ranch home of famous comedian Will Rogers (click HERE (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=626)), we'll follow the Inspiration Loop trail clockwise, but take a detour when the Backbone Trail splits off to head westward between the Canyons Rivas and Rustic (which would be a nice name for a blues band, it seems to me) until it reaches a really cool footbridge.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/2/d/0/600_281588912.jpeg We can go slightly beyond that bridge (the vantage point in the picture is looking back down at the bridge) for a better view and/or just hang out on the bridge to get rested and watered up. Then, we'll rejoin the Loop trail and take a short spur onto a little plateau called "Inspiration Point", which features a panoramic view of Los Angeles. After ogling, we'll complete the clockwise loop down through a gorgeous tree-lined fire road back to the parking lot.

I strongly suggest a post-hike afterglow get-together somewhere, TBD.

Here is a link to my GPS track (with lots more pictures) when I scouted out this hike in July: (click it, or ticket (http://alltrails.com/tracks/2602-track-jul-19-636-pm))

A few more photos of this hike appear below.

Distance: 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 800'
Difficulty: Very easy side of Intermediate
Dogs: No, dogs are not allowed on hiking trails in state parks.
Restrooms: Yes, in the parking lot
Water Fountain: I think so.
Parking: $12/car, so carpool
Trail: Single track, fire road
Sunset: 6:43 pm

Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes , slip-'n-fall

Parking: If you can find parking for free outside the park, more power to you, but the immediate neighborhoods have NO PARKING signs until after 5 pm. The Park itself charges a bank-busting $12/car, so carpooling is mandatory unless you want to take out a loan. Use the comments section below to begin communicating with others about carpooling. Note that the parking lot gate is CLOSED and LOCKED at sunset (I know because I saw a ranger lock it), but our start time should be sufficiently early enough that we don't have to worry about that. I'll be watching the clock to be safe.

Special Suggestion: Arrive an hour early and you can join the 3 pm tour with rangers, but make sure you slink away from the tour in time so you don't miss the hike.

Directions: Take Sunset until you see Will Rogers State Park Road (click on location link above). What could be easier than that?

Disclaimer / Release of Liability:
You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/8/8/8/600_281594472.jpeg It was fairly cloudy when I did this alone, but if it's clear we should have an easy view of the ocean along much of this hike.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/3/8/8/600_281593192.jpeg Final part of the hike, descending back to the parking lot.