Will Rogers to Temescal Peak to Split Rock Spur is a 9.9 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Pacific Palisades, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options.
Tough trail, epic views. Went counterclockwise... much more sun exposed and downhill toward the end.
went clockwise, which I'd recommend....tons of shady spots and get the elevation done in 5 miles. watch for Backbone Ridge sign around 5 miles. we missed it and went a full half mile down fire road and had to turn around and go back. Loved the Backbone trail. tons of shade and JUST when I thought I could go no further without a rest, we came across a bench overlooking the canyon. Perfect lunch spot. that last climb is a doozy...but still better, I think. than climbing counter clockwise!
As someone else said, check trail map often as the turnoffs are hidden in many cases. Did not feel the Will Rogers to Temescal section was worth it especially at the end (clockwise) which just added exhausting mileage without better views.
Watch out for rattlesnakes, saw some big boys. Wear pants and long sleeves - lots of weed whacking. Also, hit me up if you find my black NY wallet
Terrible. Avoid this hike at all costs. Unless you like overgrown bs...then by all means, wear pants and long sleeves. No shade. Bugs. Saw 5 people the entire 10 miles so that was cool. July 31st 2020
This was a beautiful trail, but a couple notes - it is longer than 13 miles for sure. And also, part of the west to East section just past Temescal Peak is closed. But if you do the connector trail (in blue dashes on the map beginning south of Temescal Peak) it’ll dump you out East is the closure and you can keep going. Adds maybe a quarter mile overall. I agree with other folks that the backbone trail was overgrown, but I could almost always see my feet as I ran by.
Very good hike but a bit overgrown after then COVID shutdown.
This is one of the prettiest trails. There is so much to see. The gradual incline is awesome. The views are amazing that you don’t even feel you are hiking up a gradual incline. Just a side note... you pay at a kiosk BUT you must enter your auto plate number. Where you park and we’re the kiosk is located is a good distance and the only have the one kiosk. However it does take charge cards. One day parking is $12 so worth it. Or you can try to find side parking before the entrance and that is free.
lovely trail. started from temescal so it's all uphill the first 4 miles or so. you have to take backbone yo turn right. the original path is closed for regrowth.