If there is a mountain, must you climb it? An ocean must be sailed? Or a trail must be hiked? More than ever, thru hike trails are something people want to accomplish. You probably know some one who has tried or finished the John Muir Trail (JMT). It’s popular not just because long-range hiking was highlighted in a couple of movies, but because a plethora of online guidance and planning makes the JMT a reachable goal. Even an overseas location doesn’t seem to be a limiting factor. A couple years ago I overheard someone in Starbucks planning to do the Camino del Santiago, the thru hike in parts of Spain. I had never heard of it before but am amazed that trail had 93,000 hikers in 2005 and 250,000 in 2015!

Thru hikes have caught on. So if there were one near you would you do it? I would. And am. Before I left the Midwest I dreamed of doing the Appalachian Trail. Time ran out but not the dream. Imagine my interest when the Backbone Trail opened for thru hikes last year here in the Santa Monica Mountains! I didn’t need to do it all at once, but just wanted somehow to complete the whole thing.

How exciting when two experienced Sierra Club leaders planned to lead the BBT in parts. I’m in! Come along with me on this blog as I thru hike the BBT. May it inspire you to accomplish one of your own dreams.

Part 1 was a great way to ease into the full 67 miles of the BBT. Starting at sea level, we went up onto the ridge over La Jolla Valley and back down onto Sycamore Canyon Road. The 9.5 miles and 1,200 feet elevation gain were a warm up for parts to come. Although dry and gusty at the ridgelines, the off shore winds (from inland to the ocean) resulted in amazing views to the Channel Islands. Camaraderie is a great perk on hikes and this one was no exception.  Of the 14 or so in the group, there were those who were less than a year into hiking to many approved seasoned Sierra Club hike leaders.

Next, Backbone Trail blog Part 2: killer distance and elevation ahead!

Writen by Nina Danza, Ventura Sierra Club chair