Description :
This is another terrific Malibu hike that starts at the mouth of Solstice Canyon just off of PCH and heads inland about a mile and a half. Along the trail you encounter large oak, alder, and sycamore trees scattered among about half dozen picnic areas in the first section. Half-way into the canyon you’ll come upon the remains of an old cottage that was build by Matthew Keller in 1865. The cottage, which is fenced off from the public, is believed to be the oldest existing stone building in Malibu. Keller, one of the early Los Angeles pioneers, was a businessman, vintner and ranch owner. Further down the trail you’ll come upon the other property that the canyon is most noted for the “Roberts House” or “Tropical Terrace”, which was designed by the renowned architect Paul Williams for Fred and Florence Roberts in 1952. Fred Roberts was the founder of Roberts Public Market, a Santa Monica based chain of grocery and liquor stores started in the late 1920s. This house was his dream home and when you take a look at the surrounding area and what remains of the home you can only imagine how amazing it must have been. One of the highlights of this hike is the beautiful waterfall and rock pool beneath. On our trip there were actually a couple of trout in the pools just below the waterfall. This is an area where if you have kids you’ll want to be a bit careful as there a few slippery places where one could easily get hurt. When you’re ready to head back you’ll take the Rising Sun trail (name after Keller’s winery and distillation business) which will take you up to the top of the ridge and you’ll take this ridgeline all the way back to park entrance. This ridgeline route will give you some fantastic views of the canyon and the surrounding area. This hike is kid and pet friendly and at just under 3 miles this hike should be fun for the whole family. This area is now run by the National Park Service and there is no charge for parking. Enjoy!
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