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Hike along the Backbone Trail to Saddle Peak.


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Map Key

9.0

Miles

14.4

KM

Out and Back

2,744' 836 m

High

735' 224 m

Low

2,125' 648 m

Up

2,125' 648 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

35%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Overview

Utilizing the Backbone Trail and the Saddle Peak Spur, this hike takes you along the mountainside of Saddle Peak while boasting some serious elevation gain to offer stunning views along the way.

Description

Beginning from Piuma Road's intersection with the Backbone Trail, the hike to Saddle Peak follows the Backbone Trail to the east. The trail will briefly drop into Dark Canyon before leaving the canyon to begin switchbacking up the hillside. Along this ascent you'll have great views of Malibu Creek State Park, Malibu Creek Canyon, Cold Creek Canyon, and Calabasas Peak.

2.2 miles after beginning the hike on Piuma Road you'll pass through a small saddle and meadow before continuing further along the Backbone Trail as it climbs up Saddle Peak's mountainside. The path then passes through a field of sandstone outcroppings while continuing to climb. You'll soon then reach another junction, this time with the Saddle Peak Spur. Turn right off of the Backbone Trail to follow the spur as it takes you to the saddle of Saddle Peak, at which point you'll have fantastic views of the surrounding area. Once you're ready to turn around, follow the same route back to Piuma Road along the Backbone Trail.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Flora & Fauna

Humboldt lily, ferns, native grapes, ceanothus, and manzanita can be found along the trail during the beginning and end of this hike.

Contacts

Shared By:

John McKinney

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 8 votes

#3226

Overall
  4.1 from 8 votes
5 Star
38%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#444

in California

#3,226

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,517 Since Jul 31, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Owl's Clover: Found some nice patches along the trail.
Aug 2, 2017 near Malibu…, CA

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