Solstice Canyon for the Summer Solstice

Late Afternoon Hike & Dinner at Malibu Seafood

Let's park and gather in front of this building. 

Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Dinner to follow)

Location: Solstice Canyon, Malibu, CA

Distance: ~3.3 miles

Elevation Gain: ~1,000 feet

Difficulty: Moderate with breaks

Trip Leader: Russell Hammerl 

Hike Description

Joina beautiful late-afternoon hike in Malibu to celebrate the summer solstice! We will beat the midday heat by starting at 4:00 PM, enjoying the canyon shade, ocean breezes, and Golden Hour views of the Pacific.

Our ~3-mile route will explore the rich history and diverse scenery of Solstice Canyon. We will start on the paved Solstice Canyon Trail, taking a gentle stroll alongside a shaded riparian creek under the canopy of live oaks and sycamores. Along the way, we will pass the historic stone ruins of the Keller House (built over a century ago) and continue to the Tropical Terrace ruins—the footprints of a mid-century mansion designed by renowned architect Paul Revere Williams, complete with a multi-tiered perennial waterfall.

We will return via the scenic Rising Sun Trail back down to the trailhead just as the sun begins its low dip toward the horizon.

Ruins of Tropical Terrace. The waterfall is behind the house 

What to Bring

• Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction for dirt and rocky single-track paths and perhaps hiking poles. 

• Water: At least 2 liters of water. Even though we are starting late and most of the trail is heavily shaped, parts of the upper ridge are exposed.

• Sun Protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

• Layers: A light jacket or windbreaker (Malibu canyons can cool down quickly as the sun goes down)

• Money: for post-hike dinner.

Post-Hike Dinner: Malibu Seafood

After working up an appetite, we will drive just a couple of miles on the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu Seafood. It’s a classic local staple with outdoor picnic tables and patios overlooking the ocean. It's very casual. They serve incredible fish and chips, clam chowder, grilled seafood, and more. It’s the perfect way to cap off a fantastic day outdoors with old and new friends! (Please note: Dinner is optional, and members are responsible for their own meal costs).

Directions & Parking

Address: Intersection of Corral Canyon Rd & Solstice Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265.

Click here: Google Map, Solstice Canyon

From the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), turn inland onto Corral Canyon Road. Drive less than 0.25 miles and turn left into the park entrance continue all the way and park in the last lot. There shouldn't be problems parking this late in the afternoon  but if there is go back to Corral Canyon Rd., park and walk to the end parking area .

Parking Note: The main parking lot is small and fills up fast, but since we have a later start, some spaces may open up. If you park along Corral Canyon Road, make sure your tires are completely outside the white road lines, or you will be subject to ticketing/towing.

"Save a tree" and some gas by carpooling. We have a special link for those that would like to ride together: Carpool  

or take public transportation: LA Metro Trip Planner

Cancellation Policy: In the event of extreme weather, high fire danger, or park closures, the hike will be postponed, and an email will be sent to all registered participants.

There are still lots of wildflowers to be seen