Solstice Canyon

Solstice Canyon
Distance

3 miles

Elevation

500 feet gain

Difficulty

3/10

City

Malibu ,CA (90264)

Trailhead

Head north on Pacific Coast Highway from Malibu Canyon road to Corral Canyon Road and turn right. About a quarter mile up, you will see the gated entrance to Solstice Canyon.

Description

From the gate, follow the service road that runs along the right side of the creek. Bear right at the dirt road that takes you up to the 2 odd looking buildings that house the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. To the right of the second building, take the Rising Sun Trail. This trail heads up the ridge, with great views of the ocean, then drops down into the somewhat mysterious Tropical Terrace. This is actually the ruins of a home build in the 1960s, and burned in 1982. There are exotic plants, lovely pools, a 30 foot waterfall, and a hidden statue of the Virgin Mary just before you cross the creek heading into the ruins. This is really a fun place to explore!

You can carefully scramble up the rocks on an extremely steep trail to get above the waterfall to a number of lovely pools. The return route is a pleasant shady service road that runs parallel to the stream.