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Hiking Solstice Canyon Trail in Malibu
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Ruins at the end of Solstice Canyon Trail
Solstice Canyon offers an easy no-fuss walk alongside a flowing creek in a wide canyon. The attractions on the 2.1-mile round-trip trail include a small waterfall and interesting ruins.
Solstice Canyon is a great venue for a picnic and a stroll. The wide trail is so level it can be walked in flip-flops, making this one of the most family-friendly hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains.
The Canyon Trail is the main drag in Solstice Canyon, and easy to follow. Starting from the Solstice Canyon Education Shelter, take the wide trail heading east from the parking lot. To the left flows Solstice Canyon Creek. Scattered picnic tables can be found along the early portion of the trial.
After crossing over the creek, the trail turns right and proceeds upstream. The trail remains level as Sycamores and alders provide intermittent shade. In the springtime, flowers bloom amongst the chaparral.
Solstice Canyon
The trail ends at the ruins of Roberts Ranch House. Designed by architect Paul Williams and built in 1952, the brick structures found harmony with nature by incorporating the creek, waterfall, and landscape into their design. The house must have been a relaxing retreat, until it was burned down by wildfires in 1982. The remaining foundations are now protected by the National Park Service.
A panel at the ruins tells the story:
The history of this favorite homestead site included many fires so Fred [Roberts] insisted that fire protection be incorporated into the design. The visually striking pools supplied water for an elaborate pump system to protect the home from fires. However, the pumps and pipes were not maintained after Fred's death and the home was lost in the 1982 Dayton Canyon Fire. The surviving features provide a unique opportunity to walk through a blueprint of a Paul R. Williams design.
Wildfires remain a concern. Parts of Solstice Canyon have burned as recently as 2007, resulting in a temporary closure of the park.
The waterfall beyond the ruins
Just beyond the ruins, a short waterfall spills down the creek into a sequence of rock pools. This is a great place to spend some time exploring before returning down the easy trail.
Solstice Canyon trail map courtesy of NPS
There are a handful of other trails in Solstice Canyon. Those looking for more of a challenge should try the Deer Valley Loop off Sostomo Trail. The 3.9 miles of undulating trail offer occasional ocean views and plenty of good exercise. See the National Park Service brochure for more. No fee or permit is required, so get out and enjoy!
To get to the trailhead: Take the PCH to Malibu and turn inland on Coral Canyon Road (West of Malibu Canyon Road and Pepperdine University at the intersection with the 76 gas station). The park entrance is just around the bend on the left. Expect a full parking lot on weekends.
Use the map below to create your own directions:
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