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Backbone Trail / Castor Crest

Malibu California Mountain Bike Trails

Overall Member Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars (11 Member Reviews)
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Backbone Trail / Castor Crest - Malibu California Mountain Bike Trails

This is a lollipop-shaped route where the sucker is a lot bigger than the stick, but every part is worth devouring. Much of this ride takes place on the Backbone Trail, a path that snakes across the spine of the Santa Monica Mountains and is mostly closed to bikes. Irresponsible riding could close this section as well, which would be a shame since it offers a great deal of fun, easily accessible singletrack. From the Latigo Canyon Road parking area, the downhill begins almost immediately as the trail plunges south of Castro Peak before climbing back up to Newton Motorway. After crossing the motorway, an especially scenic but rocky singletrack falls into a canyon shaped by the west fork of Solstice Creek. this loose sandstone section can be dauntingly slick.

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Published by Menasha Ridge Press. All Rights Reserved.

Trail Statistics & Information

Activity Type: Mountain Biking
Nearby City: Malibu
Length: 12.6 total miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Aerobic: Moderate to difficult. Technical: Difficult.
Season: Year-round except after rains
Local Contacts: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Local Maps: Trail Map of the Santa Monica Mountains Central
Topo Map: Backbone Trail / Castor Crest Topographic Map
Guide Book: Mountain Bike! Southern California Guide Book
Driving Directions: View Guide
Trail Directions: View Guide
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Recent Trail Reviews

Adam_Kownacki Rating:
Date of Trip: 1/1/2009
+1 Props
I've done this ride three times! Tough ride physically in some up hill area…
Steve Rating:
Date of Trip: 11/26/2007
0 Props
Aerobically challenging, moderate technically. Nice views of the Santa Mon…

Weather Conditions

  1. Tonight
    Partly cloudy in the evening...becoming mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the lower 50s.

  2. Saturday
    Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s to lower 70s.

  3. Saturday Night
    Mostly clear. Lows near 50.

  4. Sunday
    Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s to lower 70s.

About This Trail Guide

Mountain Bike! Southern California
Mountain Bike! Southern California

by David Story, Laurie & Chris Leman (Menasha Ridge Press)

From its beloved beaches to its ancient sequoia groves, this region is an off-road biker's dream com…

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Nearby Accomodations