Plans for Annual Backbone Trail Trek Announced

BBTTrek 2007 is planned to start May 5th, 2007, at the trail's western terminus in Point Mugu State Park and end May 12th at the eastern terminus in Will Rogers State Historic Park off Sunset Blvd. in Pacific Palisades. The hikers will camp overnight at park campgrounds along the trail. The hike is not for the casual hiker. Even though each hiker will only be carrying a daypack with lunch, water and trail incidentals, there is an average daily distance of ten miles. The entire hike is about 67 miles long and a total of 11 thousand feet are gained and lost as the mountains and ridges are crossed.

The SMMTC makes all campground arrangements, provides all meals, and provides a truck to haul the hikers camping equipment and car shuttles to and from the trailheads. The Backbone Trek 2007 will be conducted by volunteers with passion for trails and includes interpreters to answer questions on the flora, fauna, geology, history, future facilities and other subjects.

There will be a fee to cover expenses for campgrounds, transportation of personal and equipment, insurance, food and the like, with any excess fee going to improve and maintain the trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. The BBTTrek fee is $450 for Trails Council members or $500 for non-members. Membership is open to anyone for an annual membership fee of $35.

Participation is open to the public, but the number of hikers is limited to 25 and fills quickly. Registration will begin March 1st on a first come first served basis. To receive more information on this wonderful event, or to obtain registration forms, visit our web page at http://www.smmtc.org or contact registrar Jerry Mitcham: email BBTTrek at Yahoo.com or call 805-492-6522.