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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 13 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Maryana on 1/5/2010 This was a nice hike, the signs were a little confusing. One way up the the falls was really easy and the other was a little longer. Overall, it was a great hike and I would do it again.
Reviewed by krm on 1/1/2010 It's a nice easy hike for any hikers. I am an experienced hiker but this is delightful and easy going and always a great place to take first time hikers or friends from out of town.
Reviewed by CM on 11/18/2009 Long steep hike, views of the ocean and mountains. A small waterfall next to abandoned remnants of a mansion. Good workout, lovely hike, would hike again. The majority of the hike is a dirt path but parts are paved road. Took about 2 hours.
Reviewed by CK1 on 10/9/2009 Nice short hike that is family friendly. Interesting ruins to explore with accompanying "waterfall." The first half of hike is shaded and the second half is open with a nice view of the ocean.
Reviewed by Redpath on 10/3/2009 Me and my girlfriend drove an hour to go hiking here and I was not disappointed. The weather was perfect we arrived at about 3:30 and I feel that is the best time of day to go. This is definitely a great beginner hike and would recommend to anyone. 
Reviewed by happy on 9/20/2009 9/20/09 This is one of favorite places. Plenty of water in stream beds,found some nice pools of water with madien hair ferns today. It was hot today . I have been here many times. 
Reviewed by MC on 9/18/2009 This was NOT a good hike. There was very little to see, and a lot of walking up the side of a hill in blasted landscape with the sun beating down. Even in 75 degree weather at the shore, it is 90 degrees on the trail. The 'waterfall' is a ribbon of water flowing down rocks. The water doesn't actually fall from anything. The 'ruins' - Roberts house - is a building from the 1950s that burned in 1982. One is left wondering why no one cleaned up the remains of the building so that trees could grow. It would be a mistake for anyone to make a pet dog suffer through this hike. There is the constant sound of snakes slithering around on the side of the trail, and hardly any shade. The parking lot is the prettiest part of the trail.
Reviewed by zero on 8/6/2009 The hike would've been pretty easy, if not for the blazing sun. There is absolutely no shade until you get to the Robert's house, which makes it worth it. Plenty of pollywogs in the stream and all sorts of places to discover, relax, and take pictures. I was shocked and pleased by the lack of grafitti and vandalism, and by the lack of people on the trail (it was a weekday and I saw about three or four other hiking parties). There are several trails, and you can walk nine or ten miles if feeling energetic. The parking lot closes at sunset, which is unfortunate. Also, there is a TINY and easy to miss box near the kiosk in the parking lot for your donations. I was sad to see the box was empty except for my five dollar bill. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||