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 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 5 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by Dean on 12/29/2006 I finally went on this hike with curiousity about the fence. I started out on the Latigo trailhead to make the lollipop. The fence on that side is definitely impenetrable by hiking boots. Although, it did appear unlocked I didn't want to take any chances with James, turned around and did an in and out on Upper Solstice trail. Great hike if its a hot day. I have picrtures of the fence here: http://my.inbox.com/photos/deanfieldsCAID=tX17z_7IFOcytJBM7hQI@&_=1
Reviewed by SS on 11/19/2006 The fence is very extensive with lots of barbed wire and many many signs saying no trespassing, not public land, etc. I didn't see any way around it. We had to turn around.
Reviewed by J. P. on 9/18/2006 Just did this hike again yesterday and the concerns posted by the last few reviewers did not prevent us from getting through the gate. You can still walk around the fence, or even crawl under it without much difficulty.
Reviewed by FF on 8/16/2006 Trail is great but the new barbed wire fence is daunting and an intimidating dude in a pick-up truck was guarding the way across. He was not happy to see us. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
