Just off the Pacific Coast Highway, nestled between Pepperdine University and Point Dume, Solstice Canyon offers a uniquely scenic hike leading to the ruins of what was once a grand private estate.
In 1952, supermarket magnate Fred Roberts and his wife Florence hired an architect to create a modern home on their family ranch in Solstice Canyon, Malibu. Fred had started acquiring land in the area during the 1930s, eventually accumulating nearly 1,000 acres.
The estate, crafted from stone, brick, and wood, perfectly complemented the home site’s waterfalls, springs, and lush greenery. The long, low ranch-style house, nestled among pools and cascading water, captured the tropical vibe the couple envisioned for their retreat. They named their home Tropical Terrace.
Designed as the couple’s retirement dream home, the exotic residence was showcased in Architectural Digest for its stunning harmony with the property’s trees, creeks, and waterfalls. Aware of the region’s high fire risk, Fred insisted the architect incorporate a sophisticated fire protection system and use only fire-resistant materials in the construction.
Paul Williams, the renowned architect who also designed homes for Lucille Ball and Frank Sinatra, created the ranch house. Although the house was destroyed in the 1982 Dayton Canyon Fire, its elegant remains still stand, including fireplaces, a bathtub, an old stove and oven, and some partially preserved walls. The site is surrounded by various non-native plants, with a small stream nearby that forms a waterfall. Adventurous visitors can scramble up the waterfall to discover more falls and ruins, including the Roberts family’s handprints etched into the cement.
Sadly, Fred passed away in 1976 before he could see his vacation home completed. Today, hikers at Solstice Canyon can explore the original foundation, fireplaces, a bomb shelter, an old bathtub, and more.
Solstice Canyon offers a glimpse into Malibu’s past. Along with sweeping ocean views and the calming nature of the Santa Monica Mountains trails, it’s uniquely connected to the history of the Chumash Indians and the early days of Malibu.
The fields and hills were longtime stomping grounds for the Chumash, an indigenous tribe whose territory stretched from Paso Robles in the north down to Malibu in the south. In fact, renovations at Solstice Canyon Park in 2003 came to an abrupt stop when workers unearthed a 200-year-old Chumash burial site.
Solstice Canyon, including the ruins of the Roberts Ranch estate, was opened as a public park in 1988 and is now managed by the National Park Service. Remnants of the Williams-designed landscape—such as the fishpond and the grassy area overlooking the creek—still remain, resembling a “life-sized blueprint” of the original home. (National Park Service Solstice Canyon) Serene and beautiful the area is a favorite circuit for hikers.
Solstice Canyon is definitely worth a visit. From the Pacific Coast Highway, turn onto Corral Canyon Road and look for one of the two public parking lots, or find street parking if the lots are full. The canyon entrance is about a quarter mile inland.
The trails offer a great mix of gentle flats and steeper climbs, making for a rewarding—and at times challenging—trail run or hike. Just keep in mind that on hot days, the canyon can trap heat like a sauna, but the stunning Pacific Ocean views along the route make it all worthwhile.
While many trails start from the main parking lot about a mile into the park, I recommend the roughly 3-mile loop that follows Solstice Canyon Trail to Rising Sun Trail. After passing through the main gate, walk past the restrooms, cross the bridge to the T-junction, and then turn right. Prepare to be amazed as you hike along a path shaded by towering oaks and sycamores, with the canyon walls soaring above you on both sides.
This is easily one of the standout hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains—not just for its rich history, but for its peaceful sense of seclusion. Over the decades, people have felt a deep connection to this canyon, and once you’re there, you’ll understand why. It truly has it all: flowing creeks, cascading waterfalls, historic ruins, shady stretches, blooming wildflowers, well-kept trails, and sweeping views of the Pacific. What more could you want from a hike?
Wander Woman 