A waterfall, the ruins of a celebrity architect's mansion, a creek that tested space satellites, and wild parakeets — all within three miles in Malibu.
Why Solstice Canyon
Solstice Canyon is the rare LA hike where you get everything in under three miles: ocean views from a coastal ridgeline, a shaded canyon with a year-round creek (one of only two in the entire Santa Monica Mountains), a waterfall, the burned-out ruins of a mansion designed by Paul R. Williams — the legendary architect behind homes for Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball — and the stone foundation of what was once the oldest building in Malibu. Plus wild parakeets. In Malibu.
It's also one of the most accessible hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains. The main trail is mostly paved and flat enough for strollers on the lower section. Dogs are welcome on leash. And you can reach the trailhead by Metro bus (route 534 stops right near the entrance), making it one of the few Malibu hikes you can do without a car.
The Trails
Solstice Canyon Loop
2.6 miles · ~1.5‒2 hours · Moderate · 500 ft elevation gain
The signature hike. Combines the flat, shaded canyon trail with the steeper Rising Sun Trail along the ridgeline. Counterclockwise (recommended on hot days): climb the TRW Loop Trail first, enjoy ocean views on the ridge, then descend into the cool shaded canyon. Clockwise: visit the ruins and waterfall first, then climb out with views at the end.
Solstice Canyon Road
1.5 miles one way · Easy · Mostly flat
The flat, mostly paved road through the canyon floor to the ruins and waterfall. Perfect for families, strollers (lower section), and anyone who wants the ruins and waterfall without the ridge climb. Out and back is 3.0 miles.
Sostomo Trail to Deer Valley Loop
5.0 miles · Harder · More solitude
Undulating single-track with occasional ocean views and good elevation gain. Less crowded than the main loop. Allow 3‒4 hours. For those wanting more challenge and fewer people.
What You'll See
Roberts Ranch House Ruins (Tropical Terrace)
The main attraction. Fred and Florence Roberts built their dream home in the canyon in 1952, designed by Paul R. Williams — the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects and architect behind hundreds of celebrity homes in LA. It burned in a canyon fire in 1982. Today you walk through the stone terraces, walls, and footprint of the house, surrounded by the tropical plants the Roberts planted — palm, agave, bamboo — that still grow wild, giving the site an almost jungle feel.
Solstice Waterfall
A short walk past the ruins on a fenced path. A gentle cascade rather than a dramatic drop — flow varies dramatically by season (best after winter rains January‒April). The payoff at the end of the canyon trail.
TRW Overlook & Space Connection
The "TRW" in TRW Loop Trail stands for Thompson-Ramo-Wooldridge, the aerospace company that rented 20 acres here in the 1960s. Solstice Canyon was one of only three places on Earth chosen to test equipment for the Pioneer planetary exploration satellites.
Keller Ruins & the Keller Oak
Remains of the Keller family homestead — believed to have been the oldest stone building in Malibu before being destroyed in the 2007 Corral Canyon Fire. The enormous gnarled Keller Family Oak is marked with a plaque nearby.
Wild Parakeets
Listen for loud, chattering calls in the canyon. A community of black-hooded parakeets (originally from South America) has established itself here — descendants of escaped or released pets. They're unmistakable.
Practical Details
Address: Solstice Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265 — from PCH, turn inland on Corral Canyon Road, park entrance on the left after 0.3 miles.
Parking: Free. Main lot (about 40 cars) fills by mid-morning on weekends. Overflow lot near Corral Canyon Road. If full, park on PCH and walk in (about a mile).
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily, year-round.
Cost: Free.
Dogs: Allowed on leash. Very dog-friendly on the flat canyon trail.
Facilities: Restrooms and water at the trailhead. No facilities on the trail.
Transit: Metro bus 534 stops near the park entrance on PCH.
Tips
- Arrive before 9am on weekends if you want the main parking lot.
- The Rising Sun Trail has almost no shade — bring sunscreen, hat, and water. The canyon floor is well-shaded.
- Best time for the waterfall: winter and early spring (January‒April) after rains.
- Rattlesnakes are present on warmer sections of the Rising Sun Trail. Stay on trail.
- Poison oak grows along the creek. Know what it looks like.
- The lower canyon trail is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers on the first section (paved, gentle grade).
- Cell service drops almost completely once you're 200 meters into the canyon.
Fire History
The canyon has burned multiple times (1982, 1996, 2018 Woolsey Fire). The park has reopened after each fire. Check nps.gov/samo for current trail conditions before visiting.
Nearby
Malibu Beaches El Matador, Zuma, and Surfrider are all a short drive on PCH
Runyon Canyon The iconic Hollywood hike
Griffith Park Hollywood Sign trails and Griffith Observatory
Make It a WashedUp Plan
Solstice Canyon is the perfect group hike — accessible for beginners, interesting for experienced hikers. Combine it with Zuma Beach or lunch at Malibu Farm on the pier for a full Malibu day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Solstice Canyon loop? The main Solstice Canyon trail to the ruins is about 2.6 miles round trip and takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours at a moderate pace.
Are there ruins at Solstice Canyon? Yes, at the end of the main trail you'll find the ruins of the Roberts Ranch House, also known as the Tropical Terrace. The stone foundations and old fireplace make for a fascinating and photogenic destination.
Last verified: February 2025. Part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Check nps.gov/samo for current trail conditions.
