Great Escape: Solstice Canyon Loop Reveals Paul Williams Architecture

Solstice Canyon Park's easygoing loop to a tropical 30-foot waterfall, brook and remains of a house that succumbed to wildfires decades ago is not only one of the most pleasant hikes around, but also an outing the whole family can enjoy.

The partially paved wide path runs into a few easy stream crossings on its way to the site of destruction and beauty still strewn with debris of its former inhabitants. Although only a three-mile, round-trip distance, the trail traverses flower-ridden hillsides before delving into the canopied mountainside for a varied experience.

Gazing upon the Zen of the Pacific as one ascends the hillside on Rising Sun Trail, until the perspective of the shore is nearly bird-like, a battle begins as abundant wildflowers vie for the eye’s attention. This is the most challenging part of the hike: traversing loosely around switchbacks up to the crest before leisurely winding down toward the foliage of trees and away from the ocean.

In this area, a few scattered tree trunks that were victims of the 2007 Corral Fire loiter among healthy growth, provoking awareness of the impermanence of beauty. This is a notion that is driven home upon arriving at the destination, after entering the shaded mountainside and passing some large rock formations along the serene sounds of a stream.

The point of arrival is tropical, lush and green.

A statue of the Virgin Mary poses indefinitely over the burned ruins of what was once a family dwelling, kept company by the babbling of a brook and water falling 30 feet into the shady and secretive Solstice Canyon, where she resides as a relic of a time when people called this place home. She is not alone. Other structures and remnants of the past are scattered about. 

Built in 1952, the Roberts Ranch House was designed by architect Paul Williams to be compatible with the natural layout of the brook, waterfall and surrounding area. A wildfire claimed the house in 1982, and what’s left is protected by the National Park Service.

The entire loop takes under two hours to complete, but plan on lingering because there’s a lot to explore. Bring a picnic and dine near an old stove and chimney on what used to be the kitchen floor, called the Tropical Terrace. Or amble around the grounds; a short steep climb reveals pools and large rocks perfect for bouldering.

It is ideal for family outings, even with the dog, with clean bathrooms and picnic tables near the trailhead, which also has ample parking in two lots until the throngs descend upon the popular spot. This hike is easy, relaxing and beautiful with some history and art thrown in for an added bonus. It gives the visitor what a hike is supposed to deliver—a picturesque diversion from the wearing pressures of modern living. And it’s free.

The distance can be lengthened to 3.9 miles by taking Rising Sun Trail up and returning on the flat shady Solstice Canyon Trail, or to a more challenging six miles by combining Solstice, Sostomo and Rising Sun trails. A trail map is available in the parking lot.

To access the trailhead, turn onto Corral Canyon Road from Pacific Coast Highway. Continue for a quarter mile to find the gated entrance to Solstice Canyon on the left side of the road.