Trail Running Escapes in Southern California

Rising high above the 90265 is a lesser-known number… 3,114. That is the highest elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the posh neighborhood in Los Angeles county more commonly known as Malibu, California. However, this article has nothing to do with divas and everything to do with dirt.

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area is home to over 500 miles of trails. It is also one of only five destinations in the world considered to have a Mediterranean climate. Average Spring/Fall temperatures are in the mid 60’s; Summer temperatures are in the mid 70’s and Winter temperatures are in the high 50’s. So why would you explore any other place when the white stuff is falling from the sky? Southern California’s year round pleasant weather means the mountains are open twelve months a year.

Mountains so rich in history and systems of trails bringing them all together, you’d have to run at least 17 miles a day, everyday for 30 days to see all that the Santa Monica Mountains have to offer. Canyons once home to the hit TV series M*A*S*H and caves rumored to be Jim Morrison’s “hang”. You’ll want to fill up your bottle and throw on your sneaks, because there is only one way to get there…by hitting the trails.

A local favorite is the Santa Monica Mountains ridge line trail, also known as the Backbone trail, stretching from Will Rogers State Historic Park to Point Mugu State Park. Consisting of over 65 miles of nearly all single-track, the Backbone trail follows the ridge while traversing Chaparral covered hillsides, Oak woodlands and crosses creeks on the Valley floors.

Situated only one hour from the Los Angeles International airport, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area consists of over 153,000 acres making it the largest urban National Park. Southern California weather and accessibility to hundreds of miles of trails is why Trail Running Escapes makes it’s home in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains. Every Spring, Fall & Winter they offer 5 day trail running camps that explore 40-60 miles and cover over 9,500’ of elevation gain. Trail Running Escapes’ camps showcase the best trails the Santa Monica Mountains have to offer…as only locals can do.

For more information on the Santa Monica Mountains trail running camps, please visit A calendar of camp dates is available on line as well.





