Solstice Canyon Loop

Solstice Canyon is a National Park Service-managed canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area above Malibu, Los Angeles County, California. The trailhead is at Solstice Canyon Park, 3455 Corral Canyon Rd, and is reached by car or rideshare only; parking at the Corral Canyon Rd lot is free. No permit or fee is required. The main route follows the Solstice Canyon Trail along a creek to a seasonal waterfall, about 2.1 miles (3.4 km) round trip, with loop options that extend the hike to about 3.5 miles. Elevation gain is roughly 300 to 400 feet (90 to 120 m), and most hikers take 1 to 2 hours. Difficulty is easy: the first section is a wide, mostly paved or graded path, and the surface becomes dirt on the loop options. Oak and sycamore trees provide shade along the creek, although fire damage from the 2018 Woolsey Fire left sections more open. Landmarks include the ruins of the Roberts Ranch house, a stone structure that survived earlier fires, and the Tropical Terrace site, whose ruins sit along the creek. The waterfall is seasonal and flows best after winter rain, so late summer visits may find it dry. The loop options climb out of the canyon on dirt trails with ocean views, adding some effort. Turn around at the waterfall for a short outing, or continue on the loop for a longer route. Water is not available on the trail and there are no shelters, so hikers carry their own. Dogs on leash are allowed on most park trails, and visitors should check the park website for current conditions and closures.