|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: This hike first descends into Upper Solstice Canyon where the pleasant, mostly shaded trail follows a seasonal creek bed. As the trail begins to rise out of the canyon, the views get progressively more spectacular. First, lovely folded green hills emerge, followed by large sandstone formations in the distance. As you gain elevation, ocean views become more promenent. On a clear day, you can see most of the Channel Islands, Catalina, and the Santa Monica coastline. Once over the crest, seemingly endless layers of mountains abound in an almost 360 degree panorama, including views down into Malibu Canyon and beyond. I found it breathtaking. Trailhead: From Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, head 5.5 miles inland on Corral Canyon Road to a dirt parking lot where the road dead ends. Note that Corral Canyon runs between Malibu Canyon Road and Kanan Road. The best way to take this hike is clockwise, starting with the trailhead for the Backbone trial on the west side of the parking lot, then returning on the Castro Motorway (a fire road). (Lat:34.08152 Lon:-118.75781) Trail Guides for Castro Crest - Upper Solstice Canyon: Hiking Trails of Malibu Creek State Park by Milt McAuley (Canyon Publishing) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring User Groups: Hikers, Bikes Ranger Contact: Malibu Creek State Park, 818-880-0350 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Scott on 2/4/2010 With regards to the fenced-off sections, there apparently is a vehicle easement but it does not apply to hikers, bikers, or equestrians. No matter - the Backbone Trail (lower) section is better than the Castro Crest (upper) section anyway. I don't know why LL mentions a lake. There is no lake here, just a series of creek crossings, and those dry out come summer anyway. 
Reviewed by KN on 7/11/2009 It's true, there is a fence, making it impossible to do a loop, so now the trail is a there and back. And I don't mean just a fence. This thing would feel quite at home at a Supermax prison. It has barbed wire, it stretches way off over the side of the trail. In short, impossible to go around or over. I don't understand why anyone would do this. It's annoying.
Reviewed by Leslie on 6/26/2009 This hike was a good pace hike. There were a lot of shade, but the creeks all dried up by this time of the year. Most of the hike was in the canyon. At the end of the hike is when you can only see the ocean. The loop is closed =( So you would have to go back the way you came. There is a gate that blocks the loop. 
Reviewed by LL on 1/8/2009 What a disappointment! While this trail is a nicely paced work out, the surroundings are pretty boring. Yes, there is plenty of shade, but all the creeks have dried up, and I never saw any lake?? Also, the ocean view doesn't arrive until the end of the trail. Then you have to turn around and go back the same way you came. Seems better suited for mountain bikers than hikers.
Reviewed by Jay Jay on 4/28/2008 JBL is right, this used to be one of the best hikes in LA county, but you can no longer get past the fence midway (which is protecting an empty 200' road?). Pity there is not a better solution.
Reviewed by JBL on 4/5/2008 This was 1 of the best loop hikes in the SM Mnts, and even after the property owner first put up his fence to block off a 200' stretch of the trail (what a jerk!) a few yrs ago you could get by it. But no more (at least on the "downhill" side). The gate is now impenetrable (unless you are very skinny and can crawl under it). It is located where there is a very steep hillside, and there is solid gate/fence/barbed wire going way up and down the hill on each side. We searched for a workaround; you can't go on the dwnhl side (too steep) and we tried to go straight uphill to Castro Crest, which would have gotten us onto the service road, but that's imossible also. Why would one person would go to so much trouble to ruin a great trail?
Reviewed by Ben on 3/26/2007 Its a real nice hike though I wanted to see the sand stone I didn't want to disrespect the people who own that privat area... all in all it was nice including the small water falls and the keller home. Theres also another trail call somo something nice hike though...
Reviewed by Brg on 2/6/2007 The view is very good, including the driving part up. Wonderful sea view. We followed the direction here, but when going up, the Newton Motorway is cut claiming private place. The road is closed with high "monitored" gate, just to keep ppl off from the way up to some station. Then we have to go back the same way, and missed the sand stone part. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
