Solstice Canyon is the quintessential coastal canyon. The year-round stream provides ample water to support this 550-acre park’s numerous plant communities and a diverse wildlife population.
You will love the natural beauty of Solstice Canyon, yet wildfires have left behind the architectural ruins of our recent past. During our trek we will pass remains of the Keller House, a stone hunting cabin built over one hundred years ago, and significantly damaged by fire in 2007. Upon arriving at the park’s most popular feature, the 30′ Solstice waterfall, we will find the stone and brick ruins of The Roberts Ranch house designed by architect Paul Revere Williams in 1952. In 1929, Williams became the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects and later designed a prominent landmark at the Los Angeles International Airport, the “LAX Theme Building (1961).”
We will extend the classic Solstice Canyon hike by taking the Sostomo Trail and Deer Valley Loop Trail. The trail meanders through chaparral and coastal sage scrub to the western ridge of Solstice Canyon. After a couple of stream crossings we will encounter breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye out for the ruins of several cabins burned in past wildfires.
HIKE IS ABOUT 7 MILES WITH ABOUT 1800 FT TOTAL ASCENT AND IS RATED DIFFICULT DUE TO TERRAIN. SEE THE HIKE RATING GUIDE https://www.hikingwithdean.com/hike-rating-guide/
Bring at least 2 quarts water, sunscreen, hat, snacks. Sturdy tennis shoes OK.
Post-Hike Lunch
We’ll do lunch at the Malibu Seafood Cafe (http://www.malibuseafood.com/) on PCH after the hike. Ok to bring your own beverage – wine, beer, soda….
Directions:
From PCH, turn inland on Corral Canyon Rd. and proceed north for about 0.2 mile until you arrive at the entrance to the Solstice Canyon Park. Turn left and proceed along Solstice Canyon Rd for about 0.5 mile until you arrive at the second parking area. Corral Canyon Rd is between Malibu Canyon and Kanan-Dume Rd.
Event rules:
1. Carpooling is desirable
2. All hikers must stay on established trails
3. No use of flour or chalk to mark trails.
4. Practice “Leave No Trace” – take only pictures and leave only footprints
Trail statistics are approximate. For safety purposes always assume they are underestimated. But don’t be disappointed if they are overestimated. Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need.
Trail descriptions are based on previous hikes. Current conditions are unknown until arrival. Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly.
The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER and Section 6.2 of the Meetup.com Terms of Service.
