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 Reporter |
Summary: A wonderful section of the Backbone Trail and superb on a clear day, this hike offers a variety of plant habitats and wildlife to appreciate and spectacular ocean views. You begin at the Backbone Trail trailhead off Latigo Canyon Road. Heading generally northeast the trail takes you way down into a vibrant woodland canyon community and then proceeds vigorously upward towards the upper Castro Crest section of the Santa Monicas. When you get to the junction at the fire road turn left and proceed up the ridge until a gate stops all progress. Here you will enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean and coastal views. Another option would be to continue on the Backbone Trail past the fire road junction described earlier for about 2 miles thru Upper Solstice Canyon. Highly recommended. Trailhead: From the 101 Fwy in Agoura Hills exit at Kanan Dume Road heading south to Latigo Canyon Road and turn left. Proceed up Latigo Canyon Road for about 2.5 miles to where the Backbone Trial crosses the road. You will see a small dirt parking area on the left hand side of the road. The trail head is to the left of the parking area. (Lat:34.09 Lon:-118.8) Trail Guides for Castro Crest from Latigo Canyon Road: Afoot and Afield in Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Santa Monica Recreation Area (805) 370-2300 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Eric Altizer, who has posted 13 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Daisy on 3/26/2008 Lovely hike! Great to take dogs on. The exact distance from Latigo Canyon Rd. is exactly 2.8 miles. 
Reviewed by Rose on 1/19/2008 Hiked the trail Jan. 13, 08. Really beautiful trail. Entered trail head via Latigo canyon. Hiked to Corral Canyon Road. Beautiful weather. Little streams everywhere.
Reviewed by SG on 8/26/2007 The main thing is this hike is more like 4 miles roundtrip, so bring some water. Very nice hike, though, nice views of the ocean and enough uphill so you get a nice little workout. 
Reviewed by Mynga on 4/21/2007 I found this trail through this website. It's a beautiful hike, the lush green plants reminded me of Hawaii. I hiked this trail 3 or 4 times in the last couple months. It is very shady so bring a sweater. It's an easy hike, not steep (except for one short section). The best time to go is when the sun is out because it makes the trees' leaves sparkle. This is one of my favorite trails due to its beauty. Oh, awesone rocks! Have fun ;)
Reviewed by Dean on 12/29/2006 Unable to get by gate. Pictures: http://my.inbox.com/photos/deanfields/index.aspx?CAID=tX17z_7IFOcytJBM7hQI@&_=1 The short hike from Latigo is nice.
Reviewed by Jayesh_patel on 11/7/2005 Went on this hike yesterday with lahikers group. Latigo Canyon comes after passing two tunnels and Mulholand drive. The Latigo canyon road is curvy but beautiful. The parking lot is hard to see so the tip by Katy was really helpful. The hike is around 4 to 5 miles depending on how far you go. The distance from Trailhead on Latigo to the fireroad itself is 2.8 miles round trip. When you hit the PRIVATE PROPERTY gate, don't worry and go ahead. (TRESPASSING WARNING IS MORE FOR NPS RANGERS than for you or me!) Pass the second gate also and keep going. Then you will see two trails one on the left hand and the other on right hand. The left is recommended and will take to the top where transmission/Cell phone towers are. Nice hike--
Reviewed by Katy on 2/7/2005 You can't really see the "small dirt parking area on the left hand side" so keep an eye on the mile markers to know when to really slow down and look. This was a very popular, but challenging trail for mountain bikers. Gorgeous views and alternating sun and shady sections. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||