One-way hikes made easy

A world of outdoor opportunities awaits via the Santa Monica Mountains’ new ParkLink Shuttle.

The loop route has 11 stops (including popular Malibu Creek State Park and Zuma Beach County Park) and shuttles running in opposite directions, meaning you no longer need two cars to do long, one-way hikes in the mountains.

Ambitious hikers can now try a 13-mile section of Backbone Trail by parking at the free lot near the trailhead on Kanan-Dume Road, then returning to their car by boarding the shuttle at its stop on Malibu Canyon Road.

Bicyclists can take advantage of the shuttle’s bike racks to hitch a ride to different areas. And those who love versatility can combine a mellow morning of exploring the mountains with an afternoon of lazing at the ocean ― and never have to worry about searching out one of those precious beach parking places.

Info: ParkLink Shuttle (hourly stops 8-5:20 Sat-Sun and holidays; $1 per trip; for a map and shuttle schedule, call 888/734-2323)