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Solstice Canyon: A Malibu Hiking Haven

Discover Malibu's hidden gem: Hike through history and nature in Solstice Canyon, where waterfalls, ruins, and ocean views await just off the Pacific Coast Highway.

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Solstice Canyon, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. This accessible park features a variety of hiking trails, from easy strolls along a shaded creek to more challenging climbs with panoramic ocean views. Discover the ruins of the Keller House, the oldest stone structure in Malibu, and the remnants of the Roberts Ranch House, a mid-century modern masterpiece designed by renowned architect Paul Revere Williams. The canyon's perennial waterfall, diverse plant life, and rich history make it a memorable destination for hikers of all levels. Be sure to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking is limited. Remember to bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and be aware of potential hazards such as ticks and poison oak. Solstice Canyon promises a rewarding outdoor experience just a short drive from the Pacific Coast Highway.

A brief summary to Solstice Canyon

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking is limited and the lots fill up quickly. Consider carpooling to reduce congestion.
  • Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and be prepared for sun exposure, even on cooler days.
  • Be aware of potential hazards such as ticks, poison oak, and rattlesnakes. Stay on marked trails and check yourself for ticks after your hike.
  • Download a trail map before you go, as cell service can be unreliable in some areas of the canyon.
  • Explore the ruins of both the Keller House and the Roberts Ranch House to get a glimpse into the canyon's rich history.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), turn inland onto Corral Canyon Road. Drive approximately 0.25 miles to the park entrance on the left. Continue along Solstice Canyon Road to reach either of the two parking lots. Be aware that parking is limited and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. If the lots are full, you may need to park along Corral Canyon Road, ensuring your car is completely outside the road striping to avoid towing. Walking from Corral Canyon Road to the trailhead adds about a mile to your hike.

  • Public Transport

    The Metro Bus line 534 runs along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and has a stop near Corral Canyon Road. From the bus stop, walk inland along Corral Canyon Road approximately 0.25 miles to reach the park entrance on the left. The bus fare is $1.75 per ride. Download the TAP app for easy fare payment. Be aware that bus schedules may be limited, especially on weekends and holidays. Check the LA Metro website or app for the most up-to-date schedule information.

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Discover more about Solstice Canyon

Solstice Canyon, a jewel within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, beckons visitors with its unique combination of natural splendor and historical significance. Located just off the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, this canyon offers a diverse landscape ranging from shaded riparian corridors to sun-drenched coastal hillsides, making it a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. The canyon's history stretches back thousands of years, with evidence of early Chumash settlements. In more recent times, it has been home to ranchers, homesteaders, and even a cutting-edge space research facility. This rich tapestry of human activity has left its mark on the landscape, creating a fascinating blend of natural and cultural attractions. One of the highlights of Solstice Canyon is the Solstice Canyon Trail, an easy-to-moderate 2.1-mile loop that follows a perennial creek through a lush, shaded environment. Along the way, hikers can discover the ruins of the Keller House, believed to be the oldest stone building in Malibu. Built in 1903 by Henry Keller, this sturdy structure has withstood numerous wildfires, though it was ultimately damaged beyond repair in the 2007 Corral Canyon Fire. The remaining stone walls offer a glimpse into the canyon's past and the lives of those who once called it home. Further along the trail, visitors will encounter the ruins of the Roberts Ranch House, also known as the Tropical Terrace. This mid-century modern home was designed in 1952 by Paul Revere Williams, a pioneering African-American architect who also designed homes for celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. The Roberts family, who made their fortune in the supermarket business, envisioned a luxurious retreat that seamlessly integrated with the natural surroundings. The house featured waterfalls, springs, and lush vegetation, creating a tropical oasis in the heart of Malibu. Sadly, the Roberts Ranch House was destroyed in the 1982 Dayton Canyon Fire. However, the ruins remain a captivating reminder of the home's former grandeur. Visitors can explore the stone and brick foundations, imagine the cascading waterfalls, and admire the architectural details that made this home a true masterpiece. The site offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a life-sized blueprint of a Paul Williams design. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Rising Sun Trail offers a strenuous 1.5-mile climb to the eastern ridgeline of Solstice Canyon. This trail provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains. As you ascend, you'll traverse coastal sage scrub, a plant community adapted to the dry, sunny conditions of the California coastline. Another option is the TRW Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that explores the western side of the canyon. This trail passes by the TRW Overlook, where visitors can see the foundations of a former space research facility. From 1961 to 1973, Thompson-Ramo-Wooldridge (TRW) leased land in Solstice Canyon to conduct research for the Pioneer series of NASA space missions. The facility was used to develop and test supersensitive magnetometers, which were used to study magnetic fields in space. The circular foundation marks the location of a silo-like building where the magnetometers were tested, a testament to the canyon's unexpected role in the history of space exploration. Beyond its historical and architectural attractions, Solstice Canyon is also a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for acorn woodpeckers, alligator lizards, fence lizards, and red-tailed hawks soaring overhead. The canyon's diverse plant life provides habitat for a variety of species, making it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers. To make the most of your visit to Solstice Canyon, it's important to come prepared. Parking is limited, especially on weekends, so arrive early or consider carpooling. There is no park entrance fee, but illegally parked vehicles on Corral Canyon Road are subject to towing. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and be aware of potential hazards such as ticks, bees, rattlesnakes, and poison oak. Cell phone service can be unreliable in the backcountry, so it's a good idea to download a map of the trails before you go. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll through a shaded canyon, a challenging climb with ocean views, or a glimpse into Malibu's rich history, Solstice Canyon offers something for everyone. Its unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Santa Monica Mountains.

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