With more than 28 years of experience in real estate, Jim Cicchese serves as a realtor for Keller Williams in Westlake Village, California. When he finds time away from his professional commitment, Jim Cicchese can often be found mountain biking through the nearby Santa Monica Mountains.
Near the top of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Backbone Trail is a 67-mile ridgeline trail stretching from Will Rogers State Historic Park to Point Mugu State Park. Built primarily by volunteers, the varied Backbone Trail incorporates old animal paths and fire roads into various trail sections.
Mountain biking is popular on the Backbone Trail, but bicycles are not permitted on all its sections. As a general rule, trails 4 feet and wider are open to cyclists unless otherwise marked. Most of these areas are fire roads, though some single-track trails in the Thousand Oaks and Topanga State Park areas are also available for cycling.
Backbone Trail officials request that mountain bikers minimize their impact on the land by riding responsibly and taking all their refuse with them. Cyclists should also avoid muddy trails, leave wildlife alone, and avoid tampering with gates on the trail.
