Greenery in Newton Canyon
Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
Backbone Trail: Newton Canyon
- Location: Santa Monica Mountains, near Malibu. From the Pacific Coast Highway, take Kanan Dume road north for 4.5 miles and park in the lot on the left (just past a footbridge) at mile marker 9.5. From Highway 101, take Kanan Road south for 7 miles (it becomes Kanan Dume) and look for the parking lot on the right, just before the bridge.
- Agency: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
- Distance: 5 miles
- Elevation gain: 900 feet
- Difficulty Rating: PG
- Suggested time: 2.5 hours
- Best season: Year round
- USGS topo map: “Point Dume”
- More information: here
- Rating: 6
This hike tackles a nice, secluded part of the Backbone Trail (the beginning part of what is referred to as “segment 5″ in the link above. There is no one major ascent or descent, but all of the medium-sized ups and downs add up to a significant workout.
The first ascent is right out of the parking lot, south to a bridge that crosses Kanan Dume Road. Take a left, cross the bridge and continue into the woods. The trail follows the north side of a ridge, giving nice views of Newton Canyon, and the shade of oaks and chaparral keep it pleasantly cool almost all the time. After a few minutes, the noise from Kanan Dume Road fades, and except for a few remote houses, there are few signs of civilization.
At about two miles, the trail crosses a creek bed, makes an S-curve and begins its final ascent to Latigo Canyon Road. If you want to extend your hike, the Backbone Trail continues toward Castro Crest a little ways north, or you can return to the parking lot and make the short hike toward Newton Canyon Falls.
