Jurassic Achievement

The epic Backbone Trail stretches over the peaks and through the canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains for nearly 70 miles, taking multiple days to complete from start to finish. Ready to trek? Even those who are time-crunched can experience a piece of the action on a fun, topsy-turvy portion of the trail in Corral Canyon Park. This 4.4-mile out-and-back hike is known for otherworldly rock formations and dramatic vistas of Malibu's rural countryside. Take the Corral Canyon Motorway Trail, a clearly marked 2.2-mile uphill trek along what resembles the fossilized spine of a stegosaurus. Towering sandstone spikes lure you onward and upward, their height and form emphasized by the high desert-like terrain. At the hike's peak, a cluster of rocks juts out in bizarre formations, rising in crests—a painterly landscape of tans, beiges, and pinks, with golden wildflowers bursting from shale, and gnarled tree-roots splitting rock walls. Crawl around and explore this natural playground. Relish sweeping views of the Pacific and Agoura's oak-studded hillsides. Return the way you came. Way to put your backbone into it!

TIP: For those with extra time, check out the other routes accessible from the parking area, where you can find a rock garden and a number of rock caves.

To reach the trail, drive north on Pacific Coast Hwy. from downtown Malibu, turn right onto Corral Canyon Rd., and follow the winding road uphill for about 5 miles until you reach the parking area. Head east onto the Corral Canyon Motorway Trail. No dogs.