Backbone Trail Malibu: Electric Mountain Bike Singletrack

The loop back gives you fast flow with high berms like a bike park, then ocean views all the way down.

An intermediate electric mountain bike ride on the Backbone Trail singletrack in Malibu, covering technical sections and flow terrain from Encinal to Yerba Buena Road with a certified guide. The route includes a pit stop near Sandstone Peak overlooking the Malibu Buttes, and the return loop descends alongside canyon and ocean vistas. Riders need moderate fitness and must be at least 12 years old.

Step-by-step itinerary

Malibu Backbone Trail Electric Bike Ride

• Ride Backbone trail from Encinal
• Enjoy fast technical sections
• Experience ocean vistas
• Ride through lush forest
• Reach Sandstone Peak pit stop
• Take break and view Malibu Buttes
• Loop back on single track
• Ride alongside canyon with ocean views
• Finish on fast flow with high berms

The experience

The Backbone Trail singletrack between Encinal and Yerba Buena Road is the ride itself: fast technical sections, endless flow, and views that shift from lush forest to mountain expanse to open ocean. You'll spend the first part climbing and riding through varied terrain, one minute in trees and the next on a mountainside with the Malibu range spreading out in front of you. The pit stop lands near Sandstone Peak, where you take a break and look out at the Malibu Buttes before dropping back down.

The return loop is where the ride changes character. You're riding singletrack alongside the canyon with ocean views opening up, then the last section flattens into fast flow with high berms. The kind of sculpted terrain you'd find at a bike park. The whole route takes three hours and covers the variety that makes this section of Backbone worth riding: technical climbing, smooth descents, and the panoramic views from the top that don't quit.

You ride a 2025 Specialized Kenevo Expert electric mountain bike with full protective gear, helmet, and eyewear included. A certified guide leads the ride and speaks English or Spanish, so the pace and the route stay matched to what you can handle. Snacks are provided during the pit stop.

What’s included

• Certified mountain bike guide in English or Spanish.
• 2025 Specialized Kenevo Expert electric mountain bike with helmet, protective pads, and eyewear.
• snacks during the pit stop at Sandstone Peak.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 to 75 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by LifeRush Adventures

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're an intermediate singletrack rider ready for three hours of climbing, flow sections, and technical descents with ocean views. Your guide speaks English or Spanish.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the Backbone Trail singletrack like to ride?

The Backbone Trail singletrack between Encinal and Yerba Buena Road mixes technical climbing and fast flow sections with views that change constantly: forest, then mountainside, then ocean. The terrain has enough variety that the ride never feels repetitive, and the descent back to Encinal includes high berms similar to a bike park.

Do I need experience to ride this trail?

This is an intermediate ride, so you need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The guide is certified and will lead you through the technical sections, and the electric bike helps with the climbing, but you should be comfortable on singletrack and ready for fast descents.

What happens at the pit stop near Sandstone Peak?

The pit stop is near Sandstone Peak, where you take a break and look out at the Malibu Buttes. Snacks are provided, and it's the turnaround point before the loop back down to Encinal Road.

What bike and gear do I get?

You ride a 2025 Specialized Kenevo Expert electric mountain bike with full protective gear, helmet, eyewear, and pads included. The electric assist helps with the climbing sections while you focus on the technical riding and the views.