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Backbone Trail Access at Kanan
4.7 ★★★★★ 91 Google reviews · Running trail in Malibu, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Backbone Trail Access at Kanan's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular hiking area with waterfalls, streams, and views of hills and valleys, plus wildflowers in season.
What runners say about Backbone Trail Access at Kanan
“Fun short hike pitstop on my way to Zuma restroom at beginning not bad pretty clean.”
“Went on a Short Hike and discovered a world of wild life full of Unique Butterflies, lizards, lady bugs, Bees, Birds, plants, Mushrooms, Beautiful Sunset.”
“There was a mix of shady parts and full sun so on a hot day make sure you have your sunscreen.”
Loved this hike. Got here around 11am and only a couple spots in this small lot were left. It’s 6 miles round trip with a waterfall at the end. We thought there was more to the trail after the waterfall but were mistaken so when you get to that point just turn back (but enjoy it first of course!).
If you didn’t go there yet or didn’t go recently, make a plan to go there. So beautiful. -moderate trail - it’s not shady - big enough parking spaces
This was a nice little trail. We didn't do the whole out and back. I would say we did about half the trail. Once it left the creek we turned around. There are some little ups and downs but nothing really hard. The flowers were out and the water was running so it made some nice scenery.
I enjoyed this hike! Got there at 9am on a Sunday. Parking lot is free and somewhat small, but there's more parking off the road. The trail was not very crowded and we hardly saw others until we were making our way back. The trail was moderate, enough to get you sweating without totally kicking your butt.
Trail conditions & character
“There seems to be a waterfall not too far from the trail, however it is not accessible as there is a sign saying to stay on the designated trails to protect the habitat.”
“Unfortunately you cannot hike right up to them, but there is a great view of both of them from the top of a small hill.”
“What a wonderful access trail, the parking lot is large enough to generally accommodate the morning/afternoon crowd and the trail is very easily accessible.”
“There was a mix of shady parts and full sun so on a hot day make sure you have your sunscreen.”
“Fun short hike pitstop on my way to Zuma restroom at beginning not bad pretty clean.”
“It was a little rough for running but still had a good fast walk / run with my dog (Stella)”
“Headed south is a really steep rocky climb a few hundred feet over the the top of the tunnel.”
“What a wonderful access trail, the parking lot is large enough to generally accommodate the morning/afternoon crowd and the trail is very easily accessible.”
Plan your run at Backbone Trail Access at Kanan
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(805) 370-2301
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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