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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 2 of 6 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by Ann on 6/19/2006 I hiked this again on 6/18. FYI, between 6/10 and 6/18 they added MORE barbed wire. It's not safe to go around the gates now. Too bad, as this was a beautiful loop trail.
Reviewed by Katie Q on 6/19/2006 This hike has been one of my favorites but on Saturday there was lots of new barb wire around the first gate. We couldn't get past the gates, turned around and did the first 3/4 of the hike backwards, quite a workout!
Reviewed by Ann on 6/12/2006 We followed reviewer Brent's directions, starting at the Backbone trailhead. Directions were great except when we got onto the Bulldog Motorway, we then came to an intersection which stated "Castro Motorway, .8 miles," pointing in two different directions. At this spot, make sure to take the trail to the right and get OFF the Bulldog Motorway and onto Castro Motorway/Trailhead, which leads back to the parking lot. We had fog so visibility was reduced, but still the views and rock formations were beautiful. LOADS of gorgeous purple flowers (phacelia?) in the burned-out section at the start of the hike. Lots of mint through the shaded area. Very nice hike and I'll definitely do it again. 
Reviewed by Joey on 6/12/2006 I read the reviews before and decided to try this hike out. If you take the backbone trail you will have a nice hike thru shaded areas with some streams. At some parts you are trecking up a steap to moderate hill. The rock formations are amazing and the views once you get past the security fence are picture quality. I highly recommended this hike if you dont mind going up a hill for about 2.5 miles (the views are worth it)...
Reviewed by Brent on 5/10/2006 Trail Directions - First make sure to start on the trail at the parking area that has the Backbone Trail sign. Second is that after a quarter of mile you will have 3 directions you can go in, make sure to choose the middle path. Third, you will encounter a T junction after approx. 3 miles, make sure to go right on the fire road. Fourth when you encounter two sets of very unfriendly gates 100 feet apart with 6 locks, heavy-duty steal and barbed wire - carefully go past these gates. Fifth point is approx. 1 mile after the gates, make a sharp right at the next juncture where the sign says Bulldog Motorway. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||