The 50-mile-long Santa Monica Mountains parallel the coastline in Southern California, dividing the Pacific coast from the interior valleys. The majority of the range is located within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the world's largest national park at 150,000 acres, including three major state parks.

Included in this new guide are 138 day hikes, with an additional section of 13 hikes that traverses the full length of the 68-mile Backbone Trail in day hike segments. There are a variety of hikes to accommodates every level of hiking, from short strolls along boardwalks to all-day coast-to-peak hikes. Also included are clear trail descriptions, ample maps, and an index.