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Inspiration Point - Murphy Ranch Out-and-Back

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 3.6 (33)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. Santa Monica
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“A popular, scenic out-and-back in Will Rogers State Park with beautiful views and picnic spots. ”

Zander Göpfert
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Map Key

6.1

Miles

9.8

KM

Out and Back

1,211' 369 m

High

444' 135 m

Low

1,429' 436 m

Up

1,429' 436 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly This area has lots of great options for families who have some experience hiking. Bring water and snacks or even a picnic!

Due to the overgrown, unmaintained status of the Rustic Canyon Trail, this loop, which originally used the Rustic Canyon Trail, has been changed to head back the way you came.

Overview

One of the most popular options in Will Rogers State Park. This hike connects the Backbone Trail with a few other trails in the area for a terrific, mid-length day hike option.

Need to Know

Can be hot during summer. Limited water. Watch out for mountain bikers. Limited shade; bring a hat and sunscreen.

Description

From Will Roger State Park, take the Inspiration Loop Trail as it bends to the southwest and back to the north. After around one mile on the dirt trail, you'll see a sign for the Backbone Trail, turn left and continue up (north) onto the Backbone Trail.

This singletrack trail has some loose rock in the first section but nothing too technical. After reaching the high point of the loop at around 2.2 miles, the first junction comes up with the Josepho Spur Trail. Turn right onto the Josepho Spur Trail. The Backbone Trail continues to the north quite a ways to The Hub. For more info, see The Hub Out-and-Back recommended route.

Once on the Josepho Spur Trail, dive down to the northeast until you come to the Rustic Canyon Trail. Turn right and head south on the Rustic Canyon Trail as it heads along the west side of Murphy's Ranch and the Murphy Ranch trail (which you'll see pass on the left after ~0.5 miles).

Because the Rustic Canyon Trail is very overgrown, it is HIGHLY recommended that you turn back here and head back the way you came, otherwise, bushwacking, route finding, and/or walking through mud will be required.

Flora & Fauna

Prepare to encounter a lot of wildlife if you go early, such as deer, foxes, and sometimes coyotes. Poison oak!

History & Background

Backbone Trail is one of the most famous trails in California. This loop heads by Murphy's Ranch, which was a camp built by anti-semitic sympathizers of the Silver Legion of America back in the 30's with a lot of secret spots to explore.

Contacts

Land Manager: California State Parks - Angeles District

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert with improvements by Adam Stout and 2 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 33 votes

#1

in Santa Monica

#930

Overall
  3.6 from 33 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
24%
3 Star
21%
2 Star
15%
1 Star
6%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Santa Monica

#150

in California

#930

Overall
14 Views Last Month
6,910 Since Sep 24, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
26%
10%
61%
3%
Add a Photo

Photos

Amazing view of Santa Monica, you can see Catalina Island on the left side of the photo
Aug 20, 2015 near Santa M…, CA
Steepest hill climb of the trail.
Aug 20, 2015 near Santa M…, CA
Great view of the Pacific and Santa Monica.
Sep 4, 2020 near Santa M…, CA
Good morning Los Angeles!
Aug 20, 2015 near Santa M…, CA
Admiring the view at the inspiration point at Will Rogers State Park.
Jun 17, 2015 near Santa M…, CA
Chasing the sun rise from Rogers Road. View of Downtown Los Angeles.
Sep 23, 2015 near Santa M…, CA

4 Comments

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 16, 2022
Kristel Laiblin
Nov 6, 2021
Marc Corona
Apr 25, 2021
Kevin Curtis
Apr 3, 2021
Michelle Jimenez
10h 00m
Jan 15, 2021
Micaela Holzwanger
5.2mi — 2h 48m
Jan 15, 2021
Jay Castro
Aug 3, 2020
Garrett Johnston
Very fun hike! But I would not recommend for beginners. The back half has very difficult parts with steep rocky terrain + a slippery riverbed. 5.1mi — 1h 48m
Jun 29, 2020
A D

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