Update October 25, 2025. The Fossil Ridge segment of the Backbone Trail APPEARS to have reopened. The orange tape across the trail at the top of the Hondo Canyon Trail and the CLOSED sign at its western end, near the Lois Ewen Overlook, have been removed. There is a stunning display of fire followers along the trail, including thousands of purple, large-flowered Phacelias.
When the updated restrictions for Topanga State Park were announced on March 21, 2025, one of the open trails that caught my eye was the Hondo Canyon segment of the Backbone Trail.
I’d run the Hondo Canyon Trail as part of point-to-point runs from Will Rogers and the Top of Reseda, but never as an out-and-back run from the trailhead on Old Topanga Road. Done this way, the segment is about 8 miles round-trip, with an elevation gain/loss of around 1700 feet.
When the Fossil Ridge/Saddle Peak segment of the Backbone Trail reopens, extending the route to Saddle Peak will add a bit more than three miles (round trip) to the route.
The turnout for the trailhead is on the southwest side of Old Topanga Canyon Road, about 0.4 mile from N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Please note there is fire hydrant in the turnout that must remain clear and accessible.
The number of flowers and amount of plant growth along the trail were much more than would be expected in a “dry” Rain Year . Part of the reason, is that the previous two Rain Years were very wet. Another reason is the timing of the rain this Winter. The area received almost no rain until the end of January. Thanks to a wetter than normal February, and normal March, Los Angeles rainfall has been about normal since January 25. When it finally started to rain, it was at a time that was especially beneficial to the chaparral plants.
And here are a few photos and notes from the run.
Some related posts:
– Red Rock Canyon – Hondo Canyon – Saddle Peak Loop
– July Fourth Trail Run to Trippet Ranch, Hondo Canyon and Saddle Peak