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. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Let's Go to Paso!

    Paso Robles is a good idea in all seasons, but one season brings a special bounty: harvest season! Road-trip ready and teeming with fall colors and fun events, Paso Robles is the ultimate destination for unique autumn experiences.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Can't Top This

    San Francisco’s Presidio was already a fantastic place to hang out for the afternoon, a beautiful site within the largest urban national park in the United States (the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And Presidio Tunnel Tops is like a cherry on top. Make that two cherries on top, with the newly opened (July 2025) Outpost Meadow, a 1.5-acre green space located at Old Mason Street across from the Crissy Field Marsh in the Presidio.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View