Backbone Trail Ultra

JAN

16

2027

Tackle the iconic Backbone Trail Ultra in the Santa Monica Mountains: a rugged 68 mile route with about 13,600 feet of climbing and a scenic finish on the Ray Miller Trail. Solo runners with 50 mile experience or teams of 2 to 4 can enter; spots are limited to 200 and registration opens July 1, 2026.

Sat 16 Jan 2027

Santa Monica Mountains, California

Website Registration

68 miles

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Event

The Backbone Trail Ultra is a long-distance trail event held in the Santa Monica Mountains, California. The course covers 68 miles along the Backbone Trail and includes nearly 13,600 feet of elevation gain. The route begins at Will Rogers State Park and finishes with a descent on the Ray Miller Trail. Participation is capped at 200 runners. Registration opens on July 1, 2026.

Course and entry

The event can be entered solo or as a relay. Relay teams may consist of 2, 3, or 4 runners. Solo entrants must show completion of at least one prior 50-mile trail run; relay teams have no such prerequisite. Organizers are working with federal, state, and local agencies to secure permits for a January 16 event date. The event has a prior cancellation history related to wildfire damage to the Backbone Trail and surrounding areas; trail repairs and agency evaluations were noted after that cancellation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

68 mi

68 Miler