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 Reporter |
Summary: 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. If not for all the construction (see trailhead info), I would have rated this hike at 5 stars. 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. At the time this review was written (Sep 2002), the canyon was closed for some improvement work, scheduled to be completed in June of 2003. I parked on the right side of the road at a dirt turnout about another quarter mile up Corral Canyon, then slipped through the left side of the fence at the Solstice Canyon entrance. I didn't see another person on the weekend I went, but you might get kicked out on a weekday if the construction is still going on. (Lat:34.03489 Lon:-118.7445) Trail Guides for Solstice Canyon Loop: Day Hikes Around Los Angeles by Robert Stone (Day Hike Books, Inc.) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: National Park Service 805-370-2301 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 15 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jack on 7/25/2010 7-25-10 Hiked Sunrise trail for 1st time going in, then descended to Tropical Terrace. Great view down into valley. Am going to try Deer Valey next time - it looked interesting. Plenty of water coming over falls. Scrambled up past he falls to see the upper pools and falls hidden above the ones at the house. 
Reviewed by David on 7/13/2010 Always a fun hike - whether you go to just to the house and back or add the Rising Sun trail or the extra trip to Deer Valley. Trip report and photos here.
Reviewed by Jeremy on 7/4/2010 This was a great walk. There was still water flowing in the creek and down the waterfall in early July. The first house ruins were fenced off, but the second was open and explorable. The return journey was more strenuous - it starts with a long climb. Next time I might do it backwards. I mapped the route, and took some photos here. www.gpsed.com/track/7254951986093742808
Reviewed by Jan on 6/27/2010 This hike was a lot of fun, the house ruins were interesting and the waterfall was so pretty! Bring water shoes if you want to play in it as the rocky bottom is painful to walk on! I forgot to look for the hidden statue. We came back the Rising Sun Trail which I thought was a little strenuous for someone not in good shape, I would rate that trail more moderate than easy, but the main trail (it must have been their driveway at one time) is fairly easy. The views of the ocean from the Rising Sun Trail were really nice. Park in the second parking lot (there's a small one just inside the gate and then more parking at the beginning of the trails). There are maps available there of the trails. Certainly something for everyone with this hike
Reviewed by Brandon on 5/22/2010 Its great
Reviewed by shawn on 5/9/2010 Great hike for dogs also. We did the trail along the creek to the Tropical Terrace then up and over the Sunrise trail which had great views the whole way heading towards the ocean. My wife was 33 weeks pregnant at the time and it wasn't too hard for her so it is definitely doable! Parking is limited so get there early.
Reviewed by SM on 5/3/2010 The 5 stars is given in lieu of my 5-year-old daughter's own review. She loves this hike, which is more of a walk. There are steeper, more strenuous trails above and around the canyon, but the attraction is the burned down house and it's foundation at the top of the trail.
Reviewed by LoneWanderer on 4/4/2010 Although there is a very easy way to get to the Tropical Terrace, the Rising Sun Trail isn't it! Unless that is, you are one of those people who bike 8 miles a day, in which case, this will be a cinch for you! SO worth it, though! The scenery changes completely every .3 miles or so and walking down into the Terrace from the top of the hill feels a little like an Indiana Jones adventure! It's easy to lose the trail... the trick is just to stay right. If you've never been, stop what you're doing right now and GO! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||