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Solstice Canyon Loop

The Solstice Canyon Loop begins near the canyon entrance and climbs onto the sun-exposed Rising Sun Trail, where chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and open hillsides quickly replace the shaded canyon floor, revealing widening views across the folds of the Santa Monica Mountains and toward the Malibu coast.

As the trail arcs above Solstice Canyon, it follows dry slopes and switchbacks before descending toward the greener heart of the drainage, where palms, sycamores, oaks, riparian vegetation, and the sound of year-round water announce the approach to the historic Tropical Terrace / Roberts Ranch ruins, designed by Paul Revere Williams, and the small perennial waterfall tucked just beyond them.

The return follows the gentler Solstice Canyon Trail downstream, passing the old stone Keller hunting cabin, shaded creekside woodland, rocky pools, and canyon walls before easing back toward the trailhead, making the loop a compact Malibu route that blends mountain views, architectural remains, flowing water, and contrasting dry-and-lush canyon landscapes in a natural sequence.

#Hiking #Loop #Canyon #River #Fall #Mountain #Forest #Nature

  • Distance: 3.0 mi
  • Elevation gain: 804 ft
  • Maximum elevation: 748 ft
  • Elevation loss: 804 ft
  • Minimum elevation: 138 ft

Interactive trail map

Trail profile

  • Distance: 3.0 mi
  • Elevation gain: 804 ft
  • Maximum elevation: 748 ft
  • Elevation loss: 804 ft
  • Minimum elevation: 138 ft

About this trail

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Solstice Canyon Loop

United States > California > Los Angeles County > Malibu

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. #Hiking #Loop #Waterfall #Canyon #River #Mountain #Forest #Nature

Distance: 3.0 mi • Elevation gain: 728 ft • Maximum elevation: 748 ft

Gear up for your next adventure:

🛠️Outdoor Gear Repair Kit - Essential tools to fix gear on the trail
🧭Outdoor Navigation Book - Learn advanced navigation skills
📶Vehicle Signal Boosters - Improve reception in rural areas while driving to trailheads
🥾Hiking Shoes - Durable and comfortable shoes for trail hiking
🌧️Backpack Rain Cover - Keep gear dry in wet weather

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