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This is one of the most fun and prettiest routes in Southern California.


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Map Key

5.5

Miles

8.8

KM

88%

Runnable

999' 305 m

High

55' 17 m

Low

964' 294 m

Up

963' 294 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers

Overview

This is the Ray Miller Trail and is the very last section of the Backbone Trail. It is 100% singletrack and starts in Pt. Mugu State Park. It is a super fun trail - Even though it is an out and back, the way up has a much different character than the way down. The climbing is easily navigable, and the descent is super fun.

And let's not forget the views!!! There are some of the best ocean views at the top.

Need to Know

Parking is free on the street, otherwise you'll need to pay to park in the parking lot. There is water and restrooms in the park.

Runner Notes

This trail is very well groomed, so footing is easy and sure.

Description

The trailhead starts right in the parking lot of Point Mugu parking lot. It is a well groomed singletrack throughout the 2.7 miles to the top. The trail is almost all climbing with one or two quick downhill recoveries until you reach the sumit.

Once you get to the top, you'll have plenty of options. If the climb hasn't tuckered your out, you can always add more mileage because there are plenty of trails to access from the overlook trail in Sycamore Canyon.

Otherwise - take a minute to enjoy the views then turn around and have fun cruising back down the singletrack back to the parking lot. (Or stop and enjoy some more ocean views!)

Flora & Fauna

Coastal Sage Scrub, Sycamore Savannah, Oak Woodlands. The dry coastal Sage Scrub community is perfectly adapted for its ocean influenced landscape.

History & Background

Ray Miller was the long time campground host at La Jolla Canyon parking area, and the trail was named in memory of him.

Contacts

Shared By:

Janna Williams

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 23 votes

#444

Overall
  4.7 from 23 votes
5 Star
74%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#69

in California

#444

Overall
80 Views Last Month
15,519 Since Feb 15, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
4%
74%
4%
17%
0%

Photos

At the top of the trail right before the Overlook Trail intersection.
Feb 15, 2016 near Camarillo, CA
A gorgeous day and spectacular views make for a wonderful time on the Ray Miller / Backbone Trail!
Feb 1, 2017 near Camarillo, CA
Great view even with the low clouds.
Sep 25, 2017 near Camarillo, CA
Point Mugu and Mugu Peak at sunset.
Sep 7, 2020 near Camarillo, CA
Coastal fog and low clouds helps keep some wildflowers blooming through early July.
Sep 25, 2017 near Camarillo, CA
in the middle of the trail.
Sep 7, 2020 near Camarillo, CA

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Jun 12, 2018
Catherine Urbina
Nov 26, 2016
Wayne Chamberlain
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