The Hub Out-and-Back

At the main building at Will Rogers State Park, look for the Inspiration Point Loop Trail and take a left (west). Continue on about half a mile where you'll see a sign and map of the Backbone Trail. Go North onto the east trailhead of the Backbone Trail on a challenging incline, with a view of the Pacific Ocean behind you, and downtown Los Angeles view to the east. On a good clear day, you might also see the Santa Catalina Island which is about 30 miles off the mainland. At 2.5 miles, you'll arrive at a bridge point, and the steepest hill climb for this part of the trail. After the climb, the trail becomes flat, and it is a good time to pick up the speed. There are a lot of trees and shady areas in the morning. The rocky part of the trail will come after the 4-mile mark, and be sure to watch out for mountain bikers flying down the hill as you ascend the mountain. After a mile of climbing, the view of Mulholland Drive will appear and also houses in San Fernando Valley. Continue onto the Backbone Trail and merge left (West). Soon you'll see a small sign for the Hub. The Hub is located 7 miles in and is on the Backbone Trail. If you head North, you'll hit Mulholland Drive;continue West for Backbone Trail. For this route, return and take the same route back to the Will Rogers State Park.