Solstice Treasure

A Hike in Solstice Canyon

Solstice Canyon is itself a hidden treasure, but the Sostomo and Deer Valley Loop Trail is a treasure within the treasure. This 6.5-mile (round-trip) loop trail starts out on the uber popular Solstice Canyon Trail. Relatively flat and with tons of shade, it’s easy to see why this trail gets so crowded. After 1.3 miles, the trail forks and the Sostomo Trail begins snaking uphill. But before you turn off the main trail, take the brief side trip to see Robert's Ranch House and waterfall. It’s like a jungle oasis, worth the extra effort.

The Sostomo and Deer Valley Trails are completely different from the Solstice Canyon Trail. Sostomo begins to climb immediately, and then descends, and then climbs ... and descends. Over the next 3.9 miles the trail climbs 1,811 feet, but the awesome views help ease the pain. Sostomo Trail ends at the Deer Canyon Loop, forming a lollipop loop trail. Hiking the loop clockwise is easier to tackle, with gentler grades on the uphills.

Solstice Canyon Malibu

As you hike deeper into the canyon, listen to the squawks of the wild parrots who call this area home. No crowds, breathtaking views of the canyon, tranquil stream crossings if there's been enough rains. The only downside to this trail? It isn’t well maintained, and can be overgrown with invasive wild mustard (long pants are a must on this hike). And there's very little shade. Arrive either really early in the morning when the gates open or late in the afternoon to beat the heat. Either way, you’ll definitely beat the crowds.

Solstice Canyon Malibu

NOW, THE BEACH! Treat yourself to some beach time at Corral Canyon Beach, just across Pacific Coast Highway from Corral Canyon Road. It’s perfect for an evening stroll. Parking is free on PCH. Keep your eyes open for dolphins!

Solstice Canyon is in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Malibu, 15 miles up the coast from the Santa Monica Pier, 4 miles down the coast from Kanan Dume Road. To reach trailhead parking (free), turn inland from Pacific Coast Hwy. on Corral Canyon Rd., then left through the gate toward Solstice Canyon. Continue a half-mile to the parking lot. Arrive early or late in the day for the best chance of nabbing a parking spot. Worst case, you can park on PCH, adding about 0.8 mile to your walk.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View