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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 2 of 13 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Alia on 6/14/2009 This hike was really fun, especially the waterfall and the ruins of the old house. We climbed up past the first waterfall to find more pools and falls. My boyfriend and I loved it!
Reviewed by KJ on 6/12/2009 My husband loves hikes, but I'm more of a beach gal...we took this hike on a Saturday morning and we loved it! If you get there early parking is no problem at all. We got there a little after 8 and there were pleanty of spots open...when we left, tho, (around 11) the parking lot was full. The hike was beautiful. We ran into some wild-life. It was fun for both of us and I would definitely recommend it!
Reviewed by DC on 5/24/2009 This was my first time hiking here and only my 4th hike ever. I'm not in great shape since I just started working out recently but this hike is absolutely doable. A great workout if you're just starting to get in shape! And a beautiful train with butterflies and lots of beautiful flowers. Saw quite a few king snakes but they were minding their own business. Parking was not easy but we just waited about 15 minutes and a space opened up so be patient! It's so worth it!
Reviewed by KR on 5/23/2009 We hiked counter clockwise (started with Rising Sun) and would do it again this way. Our energies are higher at the start of a hike, and Rising Sun requires more of this since it's a drier, treeless trail. But the ocean breeze offset the warmth quite nicely. Once we got down to the waterfall the temperature had risen even more and we appreciated the shadier, easier return via Solstice Canyon. Great hike! 
Reviewed by Tracy on 4/26/2009 This was a beautiful setting, don't go when the weather is hot, there is limited shade on this trail but lovely views. We went when it was around 90 degrees and didn't make it to the top. Another tip, there are two parking lots that fill up quick so if you can find a spot at the entrance of the trail on the street save your time and walk to the trail because you can walk over the bridge and spot the cross made of wood and a street cone. Cool photo opp!
Reviewed by Carlye on 4/5/2009 4/5/2009 - Warm day Use sunscreen. I hiked Rising sun Trail Up, Apox. 1700 feet elevation gain. This trail take you to the Waterfall (tropical terrace) and then you can go back Solstice Canyon by the creek. This is a good workout, but the the popular way to go. I would go the opposite way and hike gradually up the creek on Solstice Canyon to the Terrace and then up Rising Sun back to the parking lot. You will look at the ocean all the way down on the way back. This loop, if you do both of these trails is a moderate hike not and easy hike. Beautiful flowers and what a wonderful waterfall to have a picnic by! 
Reviewed by ERADJILLY on 3/28/2009 This was a combined personal favorite for us. Lush terrian in many little pockets and open sunny stretches. The end reward of 360' views all the way to the ocean is something words don't need to describe. Vegetation regrowth from past fires shows healthy new green life and makes for great photo opportunities. The best part is being able to go off trail and follow the creek for a fun climb down the canyon. Great hike during 65-70 degree weather, summers temps have potential to be brutally hot. Great hike we would love to do it again, we need more pictures and more off trail adventures!
Reviewed by Tom on 3/28/2009 Absolutely beautiful hike and trail. We went with my two nephews (ages 9 and 12) during the spring of 2009 and we all loved it. Flowers galore. I am a volunteer docent for the MRCA (aligned with the SMMC) at the Sophia Thompson Nature Center in Towsley Canyon, and we enjoy exploring the other trails of the Santa Susana and Santa Monica mountains. This is one of my favorite trails to explore. Being close to the beach is a plus. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||