Solstice Canyon

Fantastic moderate hike offering a blend of asphalt and dirt paths in certain areas. There are a few loop options available; the TWR loop is shorter and relatively simple for those seeking a brief excursion. For those desiring a more extended and scenic experience, I recommend heading towards the Tropical Terrace, then following the Sunset Trail back to Parking Lot 2. True to its name, this path offers stunning ocean and sunset views towards the day's end. It's a bit more strenuous due to elevation changes but remains within the moderate difficulty range.

Great waterfall! Half the trail is paved and touristy but the other half is great with good views. All the ruins are interesting too.

Beautiful hike, an enjoyable walk in nature, let the magic of nature surprise you 🦋

Got there at 7 in the morning to get easy parking. A moderate hike for this 65 year old to get to the waterfall. Early morning fog made it a cool wonderful temp. Keep to the left and stay on Solstice Canyon road to avoid thick foliage and slippery rocks and water crossing. I loved this hike and plan to do it again.

Beautiful hike to a small waterfall and the ruins of a couple of former houses that existed in the canyon pre-park days. It's a 3 mile hike round trip - very easy to hike if you stay on the main trail. If you decide to detour up the TRW trail it's a little more challenging, and overgrown, but the wildflowers make it worth it. Parking is extremely limited, be prepared to park close to PCH and hike in to the trailhead (about 3/4 of a mile extra each way)

We hiked the Solstice Canyon loop. This 3 mile trail has a lot of interests. There are ruins, a tiny waterfall, pretty wild flowers for this season, and the nice views. It was very easy to walk and I really like there. I will introduce this trail to my other friends who like to hike.

i loved this hike!! you are walking right along a river so you hear it, practically the whole time. its a medium level hike. I saw little kids and older ppl. my daughter doesnt care for hikes and evn she loved it. its has plenty shade and greenery. Has historic building that burned down and a cute little waterfall at the end. Theres some Parking spaces but Not that many. And its very close to the beach!

A beautiful canyon with lovely trails. Winter and spring is the best time to visit as the water flows really well. The loop trail is approximately 2hrs long which is well worth it as you get to climb the canyon and see beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and as far as Catalina Island. Less foot traffic in the morning.

Fantastic moderate hike offering a blend of asphalt and dirt paths in certain areas. There are a few loop options available; the TWR loop is shorter and relatively simple for those seeking a brief excursion. For those desiring a more extended and scenic experience, I recommend heading towards the Tropical Terrace, then following the Sunset Trail back to Parking Lot 2. True to its name, this path offers stunning ocean and sunset views towards the day's end. It's a bit more strenuous due to elevation changes but remains within the moderate difficulty range.

Great waterfall! Half the trail is paved and touristy but the other half is great with good views. All the ruins are interesting too.

Beautiful hike, an enjoyable walk in nature, let the magic of nature surprise you 🦋

Got there at 7 in the morning to get easy parking. A moderate hike for this 65 year old to get to the waterfall. Early morning fog made it a cool wonderful temp. Keep to the left and stay on Solstice Canyon road to avoid thick foliage and slippery rocks and water crossing. I loved this hike and plan to do it again.

Beautiful hike to a small waterfall and the ruins of a couple of former houses that existed in the canyon pre-park days. It's a 3 mile hike round trip - very easy to hike if you stay on the main trail. If you decide to detour up the TRW trail it's a little more challenging, and overgrown, but the wildflowers make it worth it. Parking is extremely limited, be prepared to park close to PCH and hike in to the trailhead (about 3/4 of a mile extra each way)

We hiked the Solstice Canyon loop. This 3 mile trail has a lot of interests. There are ruins, a tiny waterfall, pretty wild flowers for this season, and the nice views. It was very easy to walk and I really like there. I will introduce this trail to my other friends who like to hike.

i loved this hike!! you are walking right along a river so you hear it, practically the whole time. its a medium level hike. I saw little kids and older ppl. my daughter doesnt care for hikes and evn she loved it. its has plenty shade and greenery. Has historic building that burned down and a cute little waterfall at the end. Theres some Parking spaces but Not that many. And its very close to the beach!

A beautiful canyon with lovely trails. Winter and spring is the best time to visit as the water flows really well. The loop trail is approximately 2hrs long which is well worth it as you get to climb the canyon and see beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and as far as Catalina Island. Less foot traffic in the morning.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

We recently explored the Solstice Canyon loop, a captivating 3-mile trail boasting various attractions. From ancient ruins to a picturesque waterfall and beautiful seasonal wildflowers, this route offers a delightful variety of sights. The walk itself was pleasantly easy, enhancing my overall enjoyment of the experience. I am excited to recommend this trail to my fellow hiking enthusiasts.

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.

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!

Amazing hike stunning view We did 6 miles up & down. Will definitely go back. In Malibu.

This is not a business it's a park. A beautiful Park, easy hike to the waterfalls, but unfortunately it is a mobbed park so if you're coming for nature, relaxation and to get away from people - this is probably not the place to come unless you're midweek. This is a nice short and mostly flat shaded walk to some waterfalls. Again the only problem is it's over run with tourists.

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.

Let me start by saying, I don't like LA hikes. I've never been impressed by any the hikes I've been on in the past few years. In general, I think they're dry, unshaded, dusty, and feel like a compromise of what a high quality hike should be. Well, that is, until solstice canyon! I write this as of April 3, 2022 when there has been some decent rainfall. For ~40% of the hike, the trail is very well shaded, and had a tiny stream running alongside the main trail. The babbling of the creek, songbirds, and sunflowers and poppies were in bloom. You can't ask for any more than this! The biggest challenge is the parking. Come here early, or else you will be waiting for a while for parking. There is a small parking lot at the trail head, an even smaller parking lot about 0.2-.4 miles at the entrance to the park, then parking on PCH about 0.5-0.7 miles away from the trail head. FYI, park rangers are doing their duty and enforcing rules, but they won't let you sit idly in a line waiting for parking either. They will make you drive in circles which can really mess up the order of when people get parking spots. Saw a couple of spats between people arguing for priority. Anyway, BEAUTIFUL hike. Mediocre parking situation. Can't wait to come back here again!

Awesome hike full of history and gorgeous landscape. Free parking but gets full quickly so arrive early. Various trails. Picnic benches near parking lot as well as clean restrooms.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Great hiking trail. We went straight instead of making that first right for the loop trail. The fire place was cool and waterfall was nice but you cannot touch the waterfall it's guarded with signs, and bars. If u decide to not follow that path back down then youll go all the way up to the top. It turns into a foot trail I found a swarm of bees and a tarantula. Great view but not that cool . Please trim the walkway so we don't have to be afraid of not being able to see the floor.

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.

I've hiked in this park several times it offers easy and more difficult trails My dog enjoyed it also

Such an amazing Malibu hike!! Make sure that you go in the clockwise direction (walk along the straight path from the parking lot) for the best beach views in the second half of the hike. The parking lot is tiny and the road to get there is basically only large enough for 1 car for most of the way so beware. On weekends, it is usually full unless you get there super early, but parking on PCH and walking up to the trailhead isn't bad at all.

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.

One of my favorite hikes in the Los Angeles area! This is the place that I always think of to take guests from out of town to go on a hike! It's not super difficult at all, but it is still a nice little work out! Definitely A great morning activity to do, as they can get a little bit hot and some parts are not covered in shade. The best part of this hike is by far the ocean views on the way out. So picturesque, so have your camera ready!! There is easy parking at the trail head, and I would recommend using an app like all trails to find the GPS coordinates. Happy hiking!

Solstice Canyon is a good easy hike to get it/do. My friend who's done the hike a few times prior emphasized that we get there early otherwise parking would be impossible. I thought it was hyperbole until I actually got there at a little after 8 to find that it was not an exaggeration at all. There were a few cars leaving already which meant we got extremely lucky with parking. The trail is pretty easy with the beginning of it being paved and then you work your way up to the old ranch house which is usually where a lot of people congregate, a little nerve wracking during COVID but it seems like a lot of people turn back because the rest of the loop seems to have a lot less people on it. Overall, it was a pretty fun little loop and pretty quick, just make sure you get there early enough for parking.

A really superb hike close to the West Side. We spent around 2 hours there, hiking up to both waterfalls and were delighted by the diversity of environments. No technical skills needed, trails well marked, bathrooms at the trail head. A great place to spend an afternoon, and Malibu Seafood is just down the road. Just sayin' ...

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.

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.

As a hiking guide for the last 20 years, this is one of my Top 5 favorite trails. Everybody who visits loves it. The hike up to the Tropical Terrace is not too challenging, but just challenging enough to feel invigorated. The Tropical Terrace is a treasure, not to be missed. Be sure to look at the Blueprint in front of the foundation and read the history, it's inspiring! There are a few options to take. You can hike to the Tropical Terrace and turn around and go back the way you came. You can cross over the stream next to the Terrace and take The Rising Sun Trail all the way back down to the parking lot. This is a hike for sure and it will challenge you with huffing and puffing and lots of Sun but the views will be worth the climb. Or, just before arriving at the Tropical Terrace, you can take the Deer Valley Loop/Sostomo Trail on the left and enjoy sweeping views of the Coastline. It will be some work to get up there but again, worthy of the effort. Enjoy this park, it is a Santa Monica Mountains Treasure!

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

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.

Honestly one of the best hikes I've been to. I got there around 8:05am on a Sunday thinking there would be parking right? Cuz the parking lot opens at 8am. Wrong. No parking. Had to drive back out and park on PCH. If you get there early enough just park on PCH across from the 76. You'll have to walk into the trail/canyon which is about an additional .5 miles. It's not bad though. Otherwise I see cars just hovering around the tiny lot waiting. We did the solstice canyon trail up to the waterfall. The waterfall is nice and the stream sound is soothing. The trail is wide enough to social distance and there is a good amount of shade. It's not flat though but it's not steep so I would say beginner trail. After solstice trail we hopped across the stream to the rising sun trail. This one is a lot harder. There is an incline and steps. I was out of breath going up. The trail also narrows and there are a lot of bugs and pokey weeds. I probably wear long pants. There is some shade but less. I would say this more on a beginner-intermediate level. There were people but it wasn't crowded. If we saw people I would just step aside and let them pass (and vice versa). Lots of turns too but great views. The rising sun trail turns into TRW trail, which is wider and easier. It goes downhill into the parking lot. This trail has the least amount of shade. I would consider this beginner. All 3 trails is a pretty loop. From my car and back to my car, it was 4.2 miles. It took us about 2 hours and this includes a lot of stops for pictures and to enjoy the scenery. Bring water, go early, wear a mask and sunscreen and enjoy!

GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD: Take PCH to Malibu and turn inland on Corral Canyon Road (West of Malibu Canyon Road and Pepperdine University at the intersection with the 76 gas station). The park entrance is on the left, just around the first bend in the road. The parking lot was reasonably-sized but gets packed quickly. Prepare to not have any cell service (even in the parking lot). Lovely loop hike. Pretty easy. I did it counterclockwise (followed the AllTrails arrows) and it appears to have made it a bit more challenging (fine by me). The ranch ruins and the small waterfalls were a nice mid-hike bonus.

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).

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.

A haiku to this hike: Hiked Solstice today Dog-friendly, easy, strolling Waterfall ending Now down to the nitty gritty: Trail Name: Solstice Canyon Trail Trailhead address: Corral Canyon Road & Solstice Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265 Trailhead coordinates: 34.03765, -118.7477 (34° 02′ 15.5″N 118° 44′ 51.7″W) Distance: 2.6mi round trip Elevation change: 300 ft Difficulty level: easy Family-friendly: yes Dog-friendly: yes See: Solstice Canyon Creek, Roberts Ranch House / Tropical Terrace (can explore ruins), waterfall (go a couple days after it rains if you want to see the full effect) Price: free Value: priceless

I've been here plenty of times there's a waterfall in the back and if you ever need water in a drought you are not to go in here but the water is drinkable I've actually had some and I did not just say hint

Fun, convenient to the 1, easy to park (if you're willing to park on the 1 and walk in), a decent enough length. Came here on a Sunday and when we arrived and left (around 10am to 1pm) the parking lot was full both times. I had already parked on the 1 which was very easy to find a spot, and walked up (no pedestrian walkway but I was not hit by a car... otherwise I might take a star off). The Solstice Canyon trail was somewhat shaded, family friendly. We returned on the Rising Sun Trail, which had more of a climb, was very exposed, but made it feel like we got a real workout in. The signage is easy to follow, and I preferred doing this loop instead of an out and back. Even with the Rising Sun Trail, you could do this in regular walking shoes (ie. hiking shoes and poles were not necessary)

The hike up Solstice Canyon is a short one at about 3 miles. The first mile and a half to the ruined house is fairly quick and doable. The second half of the hike up the canyon and down is grueling but well worth the views of the Pacific Ocean. Highly recommend doing this hike if you're in the LA area but do it in the morning t o avoid the summer heat.

Great short hike! The grasses are a bit overgrown but seeing the ruins made it all worth it. It's a good place to take photos. Our little Yorkies loved it. This is a loose hike so regardless of which way you start you'll end up ending at the same place. Lastly, if you want to extend your hike, you can go pass Solstice end take the hike to sostomo trail - additional 3 miles. Well worth it.

I've been to this trail a few times and I appreciate what the terrain has to offer. It is close to the beach and right off of the PCH. Solstice Canyon Trail is relatively popular because of the multiple additional attractions you can find along the trail. It is a nice short stroll with barely any elevation change. Some of the highlights include the oldest still-standing stone building in Malibu, a small waterfall and creek, and several ruins - including the ruins of Robert's Ranch House. I went on the 2.1 mile trail up to the waterfall, great place for pictures. The trail is paved most of the way so walking is relatively easy. This is a pet-friendly trail and you will most likely see families with their dogs on and off-leash out there. As you walk I'm sure you will see some beautiful flowers, lizards and hear wildlife in the bushes. Depending on what part of the trail you walk you will have a decent amount of shade as you head up towards the waterfall. The waterfall is small but it runs year round (very rare find) and is nice although the railing around it is a little unsightly. There are connecting trails that go up the canyon sides so you can hike for quite a while. Those are steeper and more open. I would say this is a very do-able hike if you are in shape. I actually saw an elderly lady walking while I was on my way there. On my way back down I saw her, and her party still en-route to the waterfall so it's relatively easy to do. Parking and entrance to the park are free. There is a small lot with about 5 or 6 spaces upon entering the park. If you go further into the entrance of the park there is a lot with about 20 spaces in addition to some parking off to the side of the of the lot. When I can't find parking in those lots I drive up the hill before you enter the initial parking lot and there is an area to park overlooking the beach and PCH. I actually prefer parking there for the picturesque views and walking down to add some steps to my hike. If you're chasing Waterfalls this is a decent trail to start.

If you are looking for a casual walk go left on the trail but if you want to challenge your legs go right up the stairs and enjoy the nice views and calf contractions. i went the scenic route enjoyed every minute of it and also found a wild karen on my way back to the car "WHERE IS YOUR MASK" she went Full karen on me instead of minding her business and continuing her hike lol bring a mask incase You run into a wild karen.

Love this trail so many things to see! First dogs are allowed if on a lease. Yes there are bathrooms. Trails are not difficult and are ok for beginners. Parking is hard to find but it's worth the wait. I saw a hawk, parrots, woodpeckers, grey squirrels, and a gopher. There is a stream and a little waterfall.

There are several trails you can take in this park and its close proximity to the beach makes it, I assume, popular. The weather doesn't get too hot and if you so wish, you can picnic on the beach after. Solstice Canyon Trail seems to be the most popular because of the multiple additional attractions you can find along the trail. It is a nice short stroll with barely any elevation change. It is 2.1 miles round trip and you will end up at Robert's Ranch House at the end of the trail... and behind this "house", which is in ruins, by the way, so don't expect an architectural digest model, is the waterfall. And I use the word waterfall loosely. This waterfall was more like a trickle. So don't expect Nevada Falls here. The sound of trickling water is always so refreshing and relaxing though. At the end of the trail, we felt unchallenged and un-worked-out so we decided to take the Rising Sun Trail on the way back to the parking lot. Rising Sun Trail is a bit more challenging. It was a bit longer at 1.5 miles one-way and is uphill complete with lots of uneven steps and switchbacks. Not to worry though: if my toddler made it, you'll make it. Parking and entrance to the park are free. There was a small lot big enough for 6 cars right at the entrance. Drive a bit more inside and there will be a larger parking lot enough for at least 20 cars. Hey, I said larger, which is, obviously, relative to the one just inside the entrance! LOL. The lot filled up quick. At 8:30 AM on a Saturday morning, it was full. We had to go down to PCH to find parking there and then added mileage to our hiking by walking up from the beach.

A stunning trail hike in Malibu. Beautiful views of the canyon, hills, valleys, with a paved and dirt trail. It was impeccably clean, with some benches as rest areas along the way. There are indoor single-person restrooms at the bottom of the trail as you head in from the parking lot. On some parts of the trail, there is a running creek that adds to the peacefulness of this hike. There are a couple of bridges along the way that make for great photo ops, but you really can't go wrong with photos anywhere along the trail. I'm not entirely sure how long the trails run, but the one we took we were 1 mile in and it seemed like there was plenty farther we could hike. It is an easy hike for beginners and families. Parking can get crowded, but we went on a weekday afternoon and were able to find parking at the lot right at the trail entrance. One of the best hikes along the California coast I have ever been on.

I am giving a 2 stars because it's not nothing like the pictures attached. It appears the address on here with our GPS took us on a different hike or canyon. It's very dry and there isn't any shade. We went early and the sun was burning. It was about 8am. I would say try to get there by 6:30am. It's a moderate hike, it's steep but there are flat areas. We did 4 miles round trip, it took about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Also drive the speed limit, 45 mph on PCH, the cops are every where and ready to pull you over. Can someone please tell me how to get to the location where the pictures are in here?

Hiked this for the first time yesterday and was amazed how beautiful it was. So Cal has had a wet winter this year, so all of the mountains were so green. Also, the waterfall was flowing very fast and definitely existed on my hike. Parking seemed to be a small lot of 20 or so spots, but arrived at 9am on a weekday and plenty were open. Extra points for having a bathroom before the trail starts. I took the Solstice Canyon Trail to Roberts Ranch House and I thought it would take us a little longer, but NOPE, got there in less than 20 minutes lol VERY EASY "hike". I would call this more of a stroll as in I saw dogs and literally moms with strollers going this way. Roberts Ranch House was awesome to see. Lots of history here. You can really imagine how big this house in paradise must have been. Remnants of the kitchen and bathroom are still there today. Just past this house is the waterfall. You can climb some rocks and literally touch the water and go in if you want too. Great area to explore. On the way back I took the Rising Sun Trail. There were some switch backs going up, but then the view along the canyons is definitely worth it. You can see the ocean and Catalina in the distance. Beautiful to see. This whole hike reminded me of Crystal Cove in Newport Beach but even better. Closer to the water with better views. I also like how this hike makes a big circle. This whole hike took less than 2 hours (about 3 miles), and that was with plenty of picture taking, stopping, more picture taking, more instagram posting, etc. For me the 2nd part of this hike was not difficult at all, but I would considerate it moderate for most. I saw some kids on the trail who seemed to be fine. Not much shade along the canyons, so during hot summer months bring a hat/sunscreen/waters/etc. I would definitely be back to bring the dog as I noticed dogs on these trails. Nice little hike for a perfect weather day. Check it out, you shouldn't be disappointed!

A Great hike for beginners and families. The parking was pretty packed but if you wait a few minutes you can find a spot the trail isn't too long so people are often coming and going. There are bathrooms at the bottom of the trail which is nice and you can also pick up a map. You are allowed to take pets on this trail and for the most part people do clean up after them. You can pretty much walk along the creek for most of the trail if you want to be a little adventurous. It was really cool to see the different cabins along the trail. Although the waterfall wasn't very eventful it was a great hike with some great views.

BEWARE OF LIMITED PARKING WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE PARK. This is a gorgeous hike. Gates open to the area at 8am by an automatic timer. There are probably about 20 spots at the entrance to the trail, and maybe six when you enter the lot. Bathrooms are available at the star of the hike, but after that you're in your own. The trail splits in several different ways, but all are marked with trail information and mileage. The main trail does have a few steep hills, but the hike to the waterfall is pretty mild. The trail ends at what is left of the Roberts house and the main waterfall. We were lucky enough to go after the rains, so the creek and the waterfall were in full bloom. I highly recommend this hike for beginners and nature lovers. It's fun, and if you go early enough the marine layer keeps the canyon cool. Good for dogs, kids and all! Again! BEWARE of parking! People get in to fights over the coveted spots!

Great hike. Started early in the morning. Took the Rising Sun trail because I wanted a hike with more effort so the ruins and waterfall will be more rewarding to see. I almost missed the start of the Rising Sun trail because it is located on the right side of the paved walk way immediately way before the restrooms. The trail is marked and looks like dirt/stone steps rising up.