Solstice Canyon

A trail winds through a shrubby hillside — Photo by volunteer photographer Wing Sze Lee

Solstice Canyon features several options for easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes through coastal sage scrub and riparian plant communities. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, a shady stroll along the Solstice Canyon Trail, or a more challenging climb up the Rising Sun Trail. Our perennial waterfall is a popular hiking destination, and along the way you might encounter acorn woodpeckers, alligator lizards, fence lizards, or a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead.

Visitors love the natural beauty of Solstice Canyon, yet wildfires have left behind the architectural ruins of our recent past. While enjoying a gentle hike to the waterfall you 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 our most popular feature, the Solstice waterfall, you 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).”

Featured Project: Solstice Canyon Restroom Mural Project

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is seeking local artists to design and paint four restroom murals inspired by the Santa Monica Mountains. Selected artists will help beautify a popular trailhead, reduce graffiti, and bring local creativity into the park.

Applications due December 31, 2026.

Learn more about the Solstice Canyon Restroom Mural Project and how to apply!

Activities

Hiking
Picnicking
Mountain Biking
Dog walking
Wildlife Viewing

Directions

Intersection of Corral Canyon Road and Solstice Canyon Road, Malibu, CA, 90265
GPS Coordinates: N 34.0350 W 118.7445

From Pacific Coast Hwy turn inland on Corral Canyon Rd. Drive 0.25 mile to park entrance on left in Malibu, CA, 90265.

Site Map

Solstice Canyon

Good to Know

Parking	Yes	Proximity to the beach makes this an extremely popular destination on weekends. With limited parking, carpooling is strongly encouraged. If you choose to park outside the lot and along Corral Canyon Road, please make sure car is completely on the outside of the road striping. Exercise caution when walking down to the park.
Restrooms	Yes	Restroom located 100’ up main trail past the parking lot.
Water	Yes	One drinking fountain located at the parking lot and one located about 1⁄4 mile up on Solstice Canyon Trail so bring enough water on very warm days.
Pets	Yes	Dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash, not to exceed six feet, at all times. Please pick up after your dog.
Accessibility	Yes	Parking lot is paved and Solstice Canyon Trail paved for about 1⁄2 mile.
Cell Service	Yes/No	Depends on cell service provider. Unreliable cell service in the backcountry.