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Really nice hike. It was a total of just over 2 hours of a hike. It's a very scenic hike. I would label it a moderate hike.
Such a great place to hike! We came on a Wednesday afternoon and there were only a few other people on the trail. The drive to the parking lot is very narrow and has a one-lane bridge as well, so be careful! But once at the parking lot, there's a bit of parking, an amphitheater, pay phone, and restrooms (which are a little ways up). We took Solstice Canyon Trail both ways. Plenty of shade, lots of greenery, and lots of scenery as well. On the way, there are two ruins: Keller House and Roberts House. Both have signs explaining the significance of the ruins. Roberts House is explorable, and we enjoyed looking around and seeing what's left of the residence. At the top, the waterfall was alright. Decent for our climate, I think. Nothing compared to PNW. The photo I'm posting is from mid-April 2025. The hike itself isn't too bad - more on the easier side. But a great start to exploring the Santa Monica Mountains!
We went on one of the many trails around here, and it was absolutely stunning! The views on this trail are breathtaking--definitely worth the effort. It's a loop hike, and we preferred doing it clockwise. This way, the climb felt more gradual at first and gave us those rewarding canyon-top views with the canyon on one side and the ocean on the other. There's also a little waterfall and a lively stream running through the trail (we went in July, and the water was still flowing nicely). Be prepared--the ascent can be quite steep in parts, but the payoff at the top makes it all worth it. Facilities are only available at the trailhead, so plan accordingly. Dogs are allowed, but they should be kept on a leash. Parking is a bit tricky. The lot only seems to hold about 30 ish cars. I would say on the moderate / hard side.
If you're looking for a beautiful but chill hike (aka you can go with a friend and chat along the path), Solstice Canyon is perfect for that. It's well known in Malibu so the earlier you get there, the better. More parking will be available then plus the path itself will be less populated. This hike is particularly interesting because you come across some old timey structures that have been abandoned or burned out & you can read a bit about them. Solstice Canyon Falls can be found along this path (also called Roberts Ranch Falls). I didn't even think I hit it properly as it's just a tiny 30ft waterfall but is still a fun pay off after some hiking. Most of the path is paved, unless you cross the creek and go up into the mountain like I did. It gets more steep and a bit more treacherous but the views are fire from up there! A lot is shaded but a lot is in the sun, as well, so be sure to slather on that sunscreen. Really well maintained paths. Gorgeous. I didn't see any snakes or bears but did see a rowdy little lizard while hiking. Stay ready! Overall, I'm a fan of this beginner level hike and I'd for sure do it again.
Absolutely loved it here and am so eager to bring more friends and family out!! We wanted to go somewhere not too far but also with some good scenery where we could appreciate the nature and views. We chose this specific loop trail bc it wasn't too arduous for my parents and is long /short enough that we could go at a leisurely pace but still feel like we could see a lot of things and admire the trail. Highly recommend
Malibu area always has some nice hikes. This review is for the Solstice Canyon Loop which is a 3 mile round trip if you're able to get parking at the lot. If you're not able to get parking at the parking lot, you could park on the dirt road to your right as soon as you get onto Corral Canyon Rd. From here, it would be an additional 0.5 miles to the actual parking lot so it would actually be a 4 mile round trip. The key points of this hikes were the ruins of a mansion, a small waterfall and the nice view of the ocean. There are plenty of inclines / declines so you will definitely get a decent workout.
Solstice Canyon features several options for easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes through coastal sage scrub and riparian plant communities. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. There are two parking lots, the downhill one has five spots, and the upper hill one has roughly twenty spots. The loop is roughly 3.5 mile, starting from the bigger parking lot, and it features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. You can enjoy a shady stroll along the Solstice Canyon Trail as part of the loop or just take it easy back and forth through this mostly paved trail; or start with a more challenging climb up the Rising Sun Trail first, which I did, hiking the loop anti-clockwise, Trailhead, El Nido Junction, Tropical Terrace Ruins, Waterfall, Sostomo Trail Junction, Kelly Family Oak. Upon arriving at the most popular feature, the Solstice waterfall, you would find the stone and brick ruins of The Roberts Ranch house designed by architect Paul Revere Williams in 1950s, who also designed a prominent landmark the LAX Theme Building. While enjoying a gentle hike from the waterfall back to the parking lot, you will pass remains of the Keller House, a stone hunting cabin built over one hundred years ago, and unfortunately significantly damaged by fire. Visitors would love the natural beauty of Solstice Canyon, yet wildfires have left behind the architectural ruins of the recent past. The perennial waterfall is a popular hiking destination, though it's very tiny like drizzling now, and along the way you might encounter acorn woodpeckers, alligator lizards, fence lizards, and a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead in the sky.
Solstice canyon happens to be one of my favorite hikes! Not really because of the exercise portion, but because of the scenic since of tranquility that it offers. The sound of the streams flowing are top tier, which lends to some great journaling and meditation. It's also great that it's really close to Zuma beach. I mean, of course you can go with friends and family and get a great work out but I like going there to just be very present with my self and my own thoughts.
This is a great dog friendly hike. It has 2 parking lots (very small) so you might need to wait. Both times I have gone, I have waited maybe 5-10mins. The views are amazing and the trail is very straight forward. You can do a loop and get to see a small water fall, abandon house, Mountain View's, beach view and walk along a stream of water. Thanks to the rain, there is plenty of water!
Visited back in late September as part of the #localadventurechallenge and what a great hike! Very pleasant, easy stroll along a paved path that's about a mile or so long. There's lots of little historical pieces along the way as well with information plaques - even a couple of old buildings (one's called the Keller House but was burned in an old fire - the walls still remain). There's plenty of paved parking for free. I didn't see any pay stations. There's also several bathrooms that were well kept and clean along with some water fountains. Supposedly there's a waterfall near the end, but unfortunately we didn't make it that far due to time constraints. Will definitely have to come back - was a lovely hike!
The hike through solstice is paved and straightforward in&out. At the end there is "ruins" from a burnt down home which was fun to explore and then a waterfall. Minimal elevation & mostly shaded. Some picnic tables and trashcans along the straight walk. Free parking available & bathrooms at the parking lot before you start. Definitely a family friend spot! No need for hiking boots or fancy gear. This is definitely an easier trail to follow with kids or older adults. If you arrive and want to do something more challenging with some beautiful Mountain Views & high top ocean views -- instead of going straight on the paved path- go up to the right on the rising sun trail -- it goes up up up up, levels out, then down down down bringing you to the waterfall & burned ruins of the home then you follow the flat paved trail of solstice back to the parking :). Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen, and get your legs ready for an inclined hike. Beautiful views and very green during the winter months. I highly recommend this route if you have the time & want to get a better workout in. Definitely got my heart pumping!
Solstice Canyon was a very pleasant hike -- approx 1.2 miles for the main trail. Definitely an easy stroll, perfect for a day hike. We went just before sunset so the weather was cooling down and it wasn't crowded at all, in fact, we felt like we were the only ones there at times which was really nice! Some streams of water was dried up but the waterfall at the end was still running. Overall, Solstice Canyon was a nice and relaxing hike, easy level, perfect for families and pet-friendly also. Parking was a breeze, even on a Saturday, but again, we went later in the day, around 5pm. Likely more busy and crowded earlier on. Worth checking out if you're in the area!
4 months ago
Such a great place to hike! We came on a Wednesday afternoon and there were only a few other people on the trail. The drive to the parking lot is very narrow and has a one-lane bridge as well, so be careful! But once at the parking lot, there's a bit of parking, an amphitheater, pay phone, and restrooms (which are a little ways up). We took Solstice Canyon Trail both ways. Plenty of shade, lots of greenery, and lots of scenery as well. On the way, there are two ruins: Keller House and Roberts House. Both have signs explaining the significance of the ruins. Roberts House is explorable, and we enjoyed looking around and seeing what's left of the residence. At the top, the waterfall was alright. Decent for our climate, I think. Nothing compared to PNW. The photo I'm posting is from mid-April 2025. The hike itself isn't too bad - more on the easier side. But a great start to exploring the Santa Monica Mountains! read more
1 year ago
We went on one of the many trails around here, and it was absolutely stunning! The views on this trail are breathtaking--definitely worth the effort. It's a loop hike, and we preferred doing it clockwise. This way, the climb felt more gradual at first and gave us those rewarding canyon-top views with the canyon on one side and the ocean on the other. There's also a little waterfall and a lively stream running through the trail (we went in July, and the water was still flowing nicely). Be prepared--the ascent can be quite steep in parts, but the payoff at the top makes it all worth it. Facilities are only available at the trailhead, so plan accordingly. Dogs are allowed, but they should be kept on a leash. Parking is a bit tricky. The lot only seems to hold about 30 ish cars. I would say on the moderate / hard side. read more
If you're looking for a beautiful but chill hike (aka you can go with a friend and chat along the path), Solstice Canyon is perfect for that. It's well known in Malibu so the earlier you get there, the better. More parking will be available then plus the path itself will be less populated. This hike is particularly interesting because you come across some old timey structures that have been abandoned or burned out & you can read a bit about them. Solstice Canyon Falls can be found along this path (also called Roberts Ranch Falls). I didn't even think I hit it properly as it's just a tiny 30ft waterfall but is still a fun pay off after some hiking. Most of the path is paved, unless you cross the creek and go up into the mountain like I did. It gets more steep and a bit more treacherous but the views are fire from up there! A lot is shaded but a lot is in the sun, as well, so be sure to slather on that sunscreen. Really well maintained paths. Gorgeous. I didn't see any snakes or bears but did see a rowdy little lizard while hiking. Stay ready! Overall, I'm a fan of this beginner level hike and I'd for sure do it again. read more
Absolutely loved it here and am so eager to bring more friends and family out!! We wanted to go somewhere not too far but also with some good scenery where we could appreciate the nature and views. We chose this specific loop trail bc it wasn't too arduous for my parents and is long /short enough that we could go at a leisurely pace but still feel like we could see a lot of things and admire the trail. Highly recommend read more
1 year ago
8 months ago
Malibu area always has some nice hikes. This review is for the Solstice Canyon Loop which is a 3 mile round trip if you're able to get parking at the lot. If you're not able to get parking at the parking lot, you could park on the dirt road to your right as soon as you get onto Corral Canyon Rd. From here, it would be an additional 0.5 miles to the actual parking lot so it would actually be a 4 mile round trip. The key points of this hikes were the ruins of a mansion, a small waterfall and the nice view of the ocean. There are plenty of inclines / declines so you will definitely get a decent workout. read more
Solstice Canyon features several options for easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes through coastal sage scrub and riparian plant communities. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. There are two parking lots, the downhill one has five spots, and the upper hill one has roughly twenty spots. The loop is roughly 3.5 mile, starting from the bigger parking lot, and it features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. You can enjoy a shady stroll along the Solstice Canyon Trail as part of the loop or just take it easy back and forth through this mostly paved trail; or start with a more challenging climb up the Rising Sun Trail first, which I did, hiking the loop anti-clockwise, Trailhead, El Nido Junction, Tropical Terrace Ruins, Waterfall, Sostomo Trail Junction, Kelly Family Oak. Upon arriving at the most popular feature, the Solstice waterfall, you would find the stone and brick ruins of The Roberts Ranch house designed by architect Paul Revere Williams in 1950s, who also designed a prominent landmark the LAX Theme Building. While enjoying a gentle hike from the waterfall back to the parking lot, you will pass remains of the Keller House, a stone hunting cabin built over one hundred years ago, and unfortunately significantly damaged by fire. Visitors would love the natural beauty of Solstice Canyon, yet wildfires have left behind the architectural ruins of the recent past. The perennial waterfall is a popular hiking destination, though it's very tiny like drizzling now, and along the way you might encounter acorn woodpeckers, alligator lizards, fence lizards, and a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead in the sky. read more
Solstice canyon happens to be one of my favorite hikes! Not really because of the exercise portion, but because of the scenic since of tranquility that it offers. The sound of the streams flowing are top tier, which lends to some great journaling and meditation. It's also great that it's really close to Zuma beach. I mean, of course you can go with friends and family and get a great work out but I like going there to just be very present with my self and my own thoughts. read more
4 years ago
This is a great dog friendly hike. It has 2 parking lots (very small) so you might need to wait. Both times I have gone, I have waited maybe 5-10mins. The views are amazing and the trail is very straight forward. You can do a loop and get to see a small water fall, abandon house, Mountain View's, beach view and walk along a stream of water. Thanks to the rain, there is plenty of water! read more
Visited back in late September as part of the #localadventurechallenge and what a great hike! Very pleasant, easy stroll along a paved path that's about a mile or so long. There's lots of little historical pieces along the way as well with information plaques - even a couple of old buildings (one's called the Keller House but was burned in an old fire - the walls still remain). There's plenty of paved parking for free. I didn't see any pay stations. There's also several bathrooms that were well kept and clean along with some water fountains. Supposedly there's a waterfall near the end, but unfortunately we didn't make it that far due to time constraints. Will definitely have to come back - was a lovely hike! read more
The hike through solstice is paved and straightforward in&out. At the end there is "ruins" from a burnt down home which was fun to explore and then a waterfall. Minimal elevation & mostly shaded. Some picnic tables and trashcans along the straight walk. Free parking available & bathrooms at the parking lot before you start. Definitely a family friend spot! No need for hiking boots or fancy gear. This is definitely an easier trail to follow with kids or older adults. If you arrive and want to do something more challenging with some beautiful Mountain Views & high top ocean views -- instead of going straight on the paved path- go up to the right on the rising sun trail -- it goes up up up up, levels out, then down down down bringing you to the waterfall & burned ruins of the home then you follow the flat paved trail of solstice back to the parking :). Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen, and get your legs ready for an inclined hike. Beautiful views and very green during the winter months. I highly recommend this route if you have the time & want to get a better workout in. Definitely got my heart pumping! read more
6 years ago
Solstice Canyon was a very pleasant hike -- approx 1.2 miles for the main trail. Definitely an easy stroll, perfect for a day hike. We went just before sunset so the weather was cooling down and it wasn't crowded at all, in fact, we felt like we were the only ones there at times which was really nice! Some streams of water was dried up but the waterfall at the end was still running. Overall, Solstice Canyon was a nice and relaxing hike, easy level, perfect for families and pet-friendly also. Parking was a breeze, even on a Saturday, but again, we went later in the day, around 5pm. Likely more busy and crowded earlier on. Worth checking out if you're in the area! read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
Loved this hike. I'm a wuss when it comes to hiking and this was easily doable. I enjoyed the walk, the scenery, the fact that it wasn't too crowded... and the interesting features. I knew nothing about it going in - this was something my friend picked and I was just like "sure, I'll go." But it had a little parking lot (two actually), and the trails were well taken care of - either paved or dirt. Plus, I had no idea there would be architectural ruins. I brought a mini picnicky snack and hanging out at the Tropical Terrace (the remnants of a 1950s mid-century modern house) was super cool. It's also next to a small waterfall with stone steps that lead you to the front viewing area. I didn't really see the Keller House from the main trail because it was across the stream and behind plants and trees, but I got a glimpse of it and could have seen it from the other trail. All in all / easy hike - nice area - convenient to get to from PCH - has restrooms (but my god they smelled - hole in the ground), and lots of birds. I would absolutely do this again and recommend it for dates. Somebody else posted something about it being a spot for indecent activities... but they have all these signs about cameras and recordings or whatever so I would just recommend hiking lol. It was also dog friendly - just keep them on a leash or pay a fine. read more
5 years ago
This hike is rated as moderate but it's definitely on the easier side but you can make it more difficult if you want by taking trails that go uphill. It seems like there are many options on the trail so you could come again and again without getting bored. Some of it had shade and some of it was in the sun but it was never overwhelming. We went earlier in the morning so it wasn't too hot. It had gorgeous views on the ocean and mountains. There was plenty of parking and people are always coming and going so you can find a spot if you wait for a bit. read more
I've done this hike twice now and can't wait to come back for more! Great views both in the middle of the day and at sunset. I would strongly recommend going clockwise if you're going to do it. The uphill trek isn't as hard, but more importantly, you get much better views going down the mountain as you get to see all the Malibu shores on your way down. Plus it's dog friendly so you get to meet a lot of furry new friends on the trail. Plenty of free parking at the trailhead for a convenient start. Overall a moderate level trail with good views! I've only been during the summer and winter so haven't gotten to enjoy the stream yet, but can't wait! read more
Parking: limited. There is a small parking lot and most likely need to wait Bathrooms: theres one at the railhead. Several bathroom stalls. Hike: There are a few hiking trails at Solstice Canyon and I did the solstice canyon trail to the mini waterfall. It isn't exactly a waterfall waterfall. It's very small and it is considered a protected habitat. About 3 miles hike, if you're active-ish it shouldn't be too difficult. There is a slight incline with some shades here and there but fairly easy. It's also kinda nice to hike besides a small stream. Time: Took us maybe 1 hour and half in and out with breaks. read more
A beautiful place to hike in a gorgeous part of the state. This is one of my favorite hiking areas in Malibu and depending on the time you go parking is usually pretty easy. There are many different trails with varying lengths and difficulties. One of the first attractions you'll see is the Keller House which burned down in 2007 but now currently is gated off so you cannot go inside. read more
Short and sweet hike. We came here to have a short hike after lunch at Geoff's restaurant. It's right off the PCH and not too far from Pepperdine's University. We had sometime to kill before our Dine LA week dinner reservation at Duke's Malibu. We decided to stop by this trail and get some exercisers burn off the calories. This is park of the Corral Canyon Trail. The starting of the trail is behind a small cluster of homes on the hill. Car can be parked along the canyon road. Many people ride their bikes to the hill, but it'Sa tough bike ride up hill. The hike for the trail is a relatively easy one, but it has a steady up hill incline. The whole trail is about 2 mile one way. Once get up to the hill top, you would have a spectacular view of the Malibu canyon and the Malibu coastline. The trail ends at the ruins of Roberts Ranch House, called the Tropical Terrace which was burned down in the 1982 fire. It's kind of nice to have a rest and look around before heading down the hill. read more
6 years ago
We took the trail that went to the Keller House and to some ruins/a small waterfall at the end. For non hikers like me and my boyfriend, this trail is very doable! Mostly flat with one portion that was an incline. The trail had some areas of shade. I liked how there were ruins to see along the trail, and the small waterfall was nice as well. We also got to see a cute creature along our walk! Parking is free. Bathrooms are yuck (so save yourself and don't use them!!). Overall, I actually quite enjoyed this trail. read more
Nice relatively short hike (3 miles round trip) with a small waterfall and a beautiful ocean view. We did the loop where we went through the shaded area first, saw the waterfall, then went up the incline to the top of the hill to see the view of the mountains and ocean. The incline was completely unshaded and it was really difficult to do on a sunny morning. I wouldn't recommend that part to kids, pets, or the elderly. There were plenty of parking spots when we arrived at 10am on a Friday morning but they filled up fast by 10:30. read more
2 years ago
Hiked Solstice two weeks ago and loved it. Strikingly beautiful trails especially after the rains when all the wild flowers bloomed to perfection. They have a few trails to chose from with breathtaking views .We saw the beauty of the mountains from every angle. Located right off the PCH it's one of the most beautiful hike trails ever in Malibu. There is a waterfall near the remains of the Keller house, a cabin built over one hundred years ago that was burned in a fire back in 2007. Really cool to explore. The parking might be an issue on the weekends but during the week there is plenty of parking. This is a great place for a family hike since the trails are mostly flat with a few steps here and there. My nine year old really enjoyed the hike with us. He loved the waterfall up on top and the yellow flowers everywhere. So beautiful. I highly recommend this hike and can't wait to go back read more
Beautiful beginners hike in Malibu with lots of shading throughout the trail. The little waterfall, water creek, and old buildings keep the hike interested. Came here last Sunday morning and it wasn't crowded at all and we can keep safe distances. Parking is a pain, there's a small parking lot at the entrance and a handful of parking along the road on the bottom of the hill. We can here at 7:30AM and was able to find a spot on the bottoms of the hill. The lack of parking is probably also a reason why the hike wasn't crowded so that's plus during this time (well, unless you're the one looking for parking). read more
6 years ago
We hiked the Sunset trail. This was a solid short-duration hike that can be easily slotted into your day. You can get through it relatively quickly, but be forewarned that there is a good amount of elevation (and de-elevation!) which can make it a bit tougher, especially in the afternoon sun. Many articles and signs refer to a waterfall at the end of this trail, but to be honest I've seen bigger waterfalls at Six Flags. Still, the encroaching sound of running water is a welcome change from the otherwise silent ecosystem (there was almost no wildlife to be found), and serves as a mini-oasis surrounded by a rare patch of foliage. Parking can be tough to find during peak hours, but since the trail is short, people are constantly leaving, so you shouldn't be waiting too long. read more
I made a trip to Solstice Canyon last month with my family and our dog. I had a wonderful hike there. I really like that the majority of trails are dog friendly. I loved that most parts of the trails I went on are spacious. I enjoyed seeing some parrots, lizards, and a snake. I think it's awesome that the ruins of some buildings still remain. read more
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More info about Solstice Canyon
3455 Solstice Canyon Rd
Malibu, CA 90265
Directions
Visit Website
http://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/solsticecanyon.htm/
Hours
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Ask the Community - Solstice Canyon
Can I have a picnic here? Is there good grassy areas?
How long is the hike? What is the difficulty of the hike?
It's about 2 miles total and it's an easy hike on mostly paved path.
Is this a good place to do a family photoshoot?
Is the trail open?
As of July 31 2023, Monday...the trail was closed due to aggressive bees. Drove there to see it was blocked off with the sign of the bees. Is there another way to see if the trail will be open before going there?
Is there parking?
Is there still water (falling)?
Yes, on Father's Day 2020, there was a nice small waterfall above Tropical Terrace.
Has anyone else got infected with the overgrown Poison Oak everywhere? Humans or dogs?
Are people allowed to swim/is it safe to swim in the pool of the waterfall?
I've seen people in the ravine taking pictures, however they quickly got out because, to my assumption, it's not allowed by the State Park Ranger. I don't know about swimming…
Review Highlights - Solstice Canyon
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