Solstice Canyon, Malibu

This is the best hike I've had since moving to LA 1.5 years ago. After an arduous 1.5 mile mountain climb and descent you're rewarded with a beautiful waterfall flowing from a rock in a green, tropical oasis located by the ruins of an old mansion destroyed by fire in 1982. I would recommend to anyone looking for something outside of the usual Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park.

Beautiful waterfall and creek. There is a lower lot and upper lot. Only park in the lower lot if the upper lot is full because the trail head is where the upper lot is. There is a bit more of a walk from the lower lot. Interesting facts posted about the ruins of Fred Roberts' home. There is a designated trail with fencing around the gorgeous waterfall. Honestly it stops nobody from crossing over it and enjoying a feet dip in the cool water and getting a closer look and feel of the falls. Scenic path. Lots of wildlife and variety of plants. Be aware of some poison oak. We even saw a snake cross the path (not a rattler, although I"m sure they are present too).

The trails were easy to access and kept very clean. Scenery was gorgeous and it was a very easy hike. I did it in sandals and was just fine all 2 miles round trip. Also the parking had a lot of spots which took my stress levels way down already. Cant wait to go back!

Still one of my favorite hikes. Park staff has done a great job clearing brush since the fires in 2018, and the streams and mini-waterfalls are still utterly lovely, zen and lush. Parking can be a challenge, but in 8 years, I've never had a problem getting parking at the trailhead entrance if I just wait a few minutes. Quintessential Malibu.

I didn't hike today, but helped with a Santa Monica Mountains Rec Area volunteer crew to clear non-native special so the native plants can survive. The canyon is beautiful and I'll be hiking there. In the meantime, the volunteer work helps the area and is rewarding because we give back a little of what we take.