Inspiration Point - Murphy Ranch Out-and-Back

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One of the most popular options in Will Rogers State Park. This run connects the Backbone Trail with a few other trails in the area for a terrific, mid-length day hike option.

Can be hot during summer. Limited water. Watch out for mountain bikers. Limited shade; bring a hat and sunscreen.

A mixed tread with dirt and rocks.

From Will Roger State Park, take the Inspiration Loop Trail as it bends to the southwest and back to the north. After around one mile on the dirt trail, you'll see a sign for the Backbone Trail, turn left and continue up (north) onto the Backbone Trail.

This singletrack trail has some loose rock in the first section but nothing too technical. After reaching the high point of the loop at around 2.2 miles, the first junction comes up with the Josepho Spur Trail. Turn right onto the Josepho Spur Trail. The Backbone Trail continues to the north quite a ways to The Hub. For more info, see The Hub Out-and-Back recommended route.

Once on the Josepho Spur Trail, dive down to the northeast until you come to the Rustic Canyon Trail. Turn right and head south on the Rustic Canyon Trail as it heads along the west side of Murphy's Ranch and the Murphy Ranch trail (which you'll see pass on the left after ~0.5 miles).

Because the Rustic Canyon Trail is very overgrown, it is HIGHLY recommended that you turn back here and head back the way you came, otherwise, bushwacking, route finding, and/or walking through mud will be required.

Prepare to encounter a lot of wildlife if you go early, such as deer, foxes, and sometimes coyotes. Poison oak!

Backbone Trail is one of the most famous trails in California. This loop heads by Murphy's Ranch, which was a camp built by anti-semitic sympathizers of the Silver Legion of America back in the 30's with a lot of secret spots to explore.