SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Mountain’s Backbone Trail has re-opened. Parts of the trail were closed due to due the Woolsey Fire. In November 8, 2018, the Woolsey Fire burned throughout the Santa Monica Mountains damaging many trails.
“Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) sustained significant damage from the Woolsey Fire. It burned almost 100,000 acres of land. Most of Western Town at Paramount Ranch was destroyed, as well as the 1927 Peter Strauss Ranch house, the Rocky Oaks ranger residence and museum building, and most of the UCLA La Kretz Field Station,” states the National Park Service (NPS) on its website.
The Back Bone Trail contains a Mediterranean ecosystem that stretches 67 miles and the highest point of the mountain is at sandstone peak which is 3,111 feet.
“As hikers on this trail you will enjoy the Mediterranean ecosystem, found only in five places in the world, experiencing its many unique plant and animal communities. By being able to escape from city life, you enjoy the health benefits of hiking and learning a lot about our own unique area. You will also learn some history of the area through the trail as you travel through Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Oak Woodlands, Meadows, and Stream side areas,” states the NPS.
Most trails of the Santa Monica Mountains have re-opened to the public, but there are a few trails still closed. For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/samo/learn/management/2018-woolsey-fire.htm
