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Solstice Canyon: Malibu's Natural and Historical Gem

Explore Malibu's Solstice Canyon: Hike through history and nature, discovering ruins, a waterfall, and stunning views in the Santa Monica Mountains.

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Solstice Canyon, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu, California, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Hike past the ruins of a stone hunting cabin, a modern home designed by a renowned architect, and the remnants of a space research facility, all while enjoying the tranquility of a perennial stream and diverse plant life.

A brief summary to Solstice Canyon

  • Monday 6 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-9 pm
  • Friday 6 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the parking lot is small and fills up quickly.
  • Bring water, especially if hiking the Rising Sun Trail, as it can be steep and exposed.
  • Wear sturdy shoes, as the trails can be uneven and rocky.
  • Be aware of wildlife, including ticks, bees, rattlesnakes, and poison oak.
  • Check the National Park Service website for current fire restrictions and trail closures.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) in Malibu, turn inland onto Corral Canyon Road. Drive approximately 0.25 miles to the park entrance on the left. Limited parking is available in the main lot, which is another 0.3 miles down Solstice Canyon Road. If the lot is full, you may need to park along Corral Canyon Road, adding a mile to your hike. Illegally parked vehicles are subject to towing.

  • Public Transport

    The Metro 534 bus runs along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) with stops near Corral Canyon Road. From the bus stop, walk inland on Corral Canyon Road to reach the Solstice Canyon entrance, approximately a 10-15 minute walk. A one-way fare on the Metro bus is $1.75. Download the TAP app for easy fare payment.

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Discover more about Solstice Canyon

Solstice Canyon, located within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Malibu, California, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with a rich tapestry of human history. The canyon has attracted people for thousands of years, from the Chumash Native Americans to pioneering space researchers. The main draw is the Solstice Canyon Trail, an easy 2.1-mile round trip hike that gently ascends alongside a stream, shaded by oak and sycamore trees. Along the way, hikers encounter the evocative ruins of the Keller House, a stone hunting cabin built in 1903 after a wildfire destroyed the original homestead. Further upstream lie the remains of the Roberts Ranch House, designed in 1952 by famed African-American architect Paul Williams for Fred and Florence Roberts. This house incorporated natural elements like waterfalls and springs into its design. Though ravaged by a fire in 1982, the foundation offers a glimpse into the home's mid-century modern elegance. Beyond its residential history, Solstice Canyon also played a role in early space exploration. From 1961 to 1973, a research facility operated here, developing supersensitive magnetometers and testing satellite equipment for NASA's Pioneer program. The TRW Overlook provides views of the remaining foundations, a reminder of this unique chapter in the canyon's past. Today, Solstice Canyon is a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors. Several trails cater to different fitness levels, from the easy Solstice Canyon Trail to the more strenuous Rising Sun Trail, which rewards hikers with panoramic ocean views. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, quail, lizards, and various bird species. Spring wildflowers add to the canyon's charm.

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