Viewing Boulders and Bay From a Perch on Top of Saddle Peak

Saddle Peak, actually two peaks with a “saddle” in between, is one of the highest points in the central Santa Monica Mountains. The west peak is off-limits to hikers, but the east peak is accessible and an easy climb.

The summit stands about 2,800 feet high and often pokes above a blanket of coastal clouds. About 2 1/2 miles from the coast as the cliff swallow--a bird you may see on this hike--flies, Saddle Peak is a superb perch for gazing at Santa Monica Bay and the Channel Islands, downtown Los Angeles and all the way to snowcapped Mt. San Jacinto.

The journey up Saddle Peak is just as appealing. Handsome sandstone formations and the intriguing flora of Dark Canyon, a lovely retreat with quiet pools shaded by bay and alder trees, are among the highlights.

This week I’ll discuss a superb stretch of the Backbone Trail, which crosses this boulder-strewn landscape east of Malibu Creek State Park.

A shorter, easier, family-friendly section of the Backbone Trail offers a bit of everything, including rock formations for the kids to climb and an ocean view.

I’ll also describe a longer, steeper trek, a challenge that experienced hikers will relish. When a trail’s elevation gain is 500 feet or more in a mile, I classify it as strenuous; this route fits the bill.

Directions to the trail head: For the short version of this hike, take U.S. 101 to Calabasas and exit at Las Virgenes Road. Drive three miles south to Mulholland Highway and turn left (east). Drive four miles to Stunt Road and veer right; after 2.9 miles look for the signed trail head on the right. A small parking area is on the left side of the road, but a better spot lies at mile marker 3.0 on the left side of the road.

For the long version of the hike, take U.S. 101 to Calabasas, exit onto Las Virgenes Road and drive 43/4 miles south to Piuma Road. Turn left and drive about 11/4 miles to the signed trail head. (You’ll find it less than a quarter-mile past Piuma’s intersection with Cold Canyon Road.)

The hike: The short route starts with a quarter-mile walk on a connector trail extending southwest through chaparral to a signed junction. Go left on the Backbone Trail. The path ascends Saddle Peak’s brush-covered slopes, brightened this time of year by the red berries of the toyon, or California holly.

About 1 1/2 miles from the trail head, the path meanders among sandstone outcroppings, then continues up to a junction. Leave the Backbone and ascend the connector path right (south) one-tenth of a mile to a dirt road. To the right will be the saddle of Saddle Peak; to the left, Saddle’s east peak. Enjoy the views.

The longer version of this hike starts at Piuma Road. Follow the Backbone Trail as it drops into Dark Canyon, where ferns, Humboldt lilies and tangles of a native grape thrive in the shade of sycamore and alder.

Next you’ll climb a long series of switchbacks among ceanothus and manzanita. When you pause to catch your breath, look back for a dramatic view to the west: the impressive canyon at Malibu Creek State Park.

The trail winds among impressive boulders, framing views of Cold Creek Canyon to the northeast and Calabasas Peak to the north. About 21/2 miles from the trail head, you’ll pass a minor saddle and a small meadow, then go another mile to reach the connector trail to Saddle Peak Road. Continue on the Backbone Trail and follow the same directions for the short hike to Saddle Peak.

For more of John McKinney’s tips, visit www.thetrailmaster.com.