Gentler / Beginner: Latigo to Kanan Dume - NOTE TRAILHEAD CHANGE

This is also a gentler hike for Thursday starting at the Latigo Canyon Backbone Trail parking lot; we've changed starting point and direction because another group is starting at 8:30 and going down the backbone trail, and this way, we'll avoid them.

This hike was a bit overgrown last time but I am hoping they have come and trimmed it back, but you might want to wear long pants. This hike is only 5 miles and will take us on a less-traveled but quite beautiful part of the 67-mile Backbone Trail, which runs through the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area from Will Rogers State Park in the east to Point Mugu in the west.

The route begins at the Latigo Canyon Backbone Trail parking lot. We will cross Latigo Canyon Road and then proceed westerly roughly 2.2 miles and up 600 feet, gradually winding our way up and through Latigo Canyon, turning around just after crossing over the Kanan Road tunnel, then retracing our steps as we return to the cars. Along the hike, you can take a short jog up to the ridgeline for spectacular Pacific Ocean views.

This hike is a combination of single and double-file trails with occasional stretches of loose rock and gravel (you may want to bring trekking poles). The majority of our out and back hike is wooded and shaded canyon trails, offering periodic glimpses of the Pacific. A deep "V" into a shaded cleft, with another 450' of descent and climb will complete the elevation loss and gain.

The total distance for this hike will be approximately 5 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain. The parking lot is not huge, so if you can share a ride, do so.

Directions - NOTE NEW STARTING POINT:

From the 101 – exit at the Kanan Road exit and drive south (toward the ocean) 6.7 miles, going through two of the three tunnels on this road (which changes name to Kanan Dume Road). You'll cross Mulholland. Turn left onto Latigo Canyon Road, and follow its twists and turns 3.0 miles to the parking lot on the left.

From PCH – turn up South Kanan Dume Road. Drive 5.6 miles from PCH, going through one tunnel, and then turn right onto Latigo Canyon Road, and follow its twists and turns 3.0 miles to the parking lot on the left.

Disclaimer / Release of Liability
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers 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.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No dogs.