This segment of the Backbone Trail provides a gentle climb up the chaparal-blanketed hillside. The trail can be accessed from the Encinal Canyon trailhead. The Backbone Trail heads both directions from the parking lot - up towards Mulholland Highway, or down into Trancas Canyon. A popular 5-mile one-way hike is heading north, crossing Mulholland Highway, and continuing to an overlook along Etz Meloy Motorway.

From the PCH, take Encinal Canyon Rd. approx. 5 miles. Make a right-hand turn to continue on Encinal Canyon Rd. Travel approx 1.2 miles to the trailhead. From 101 take Kanan Dume Road, turn west onto Mulholland Hwy. Stay left at the fork onto Encinal Canyon Rd. Travel 2.4 miles to staging area.