Solstice Canyon offers three distinct hiking options for dogs—easy, moderate, or strenuous—though your dog needs to stay leashed at all times, with the leash capped at six feet. The Solstice Canyon Trail itself is a shady, gentle walk, while the Rising Sun Trail delivers a more challenging climb. One of the only year-round waterfalls in the Malibu mountains flows here, which makes the destination worth planning around even if water is scarce elsewhere in the area.

The trail carries real history. An easy couple-mile hike takes you past the remains of the Keller House, a stone hunting cabin built over a century ago that was heavily damaged in the 2007 wildfires—you can still see the impact of the fire on the structure. Further along, you’ll reach the stone and brick ruins of the Roberts Ranch house, designed by Paul Revere Williams, the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects. Walking through these ruins while your dog explores on leash creates an interesting connection to the area’s past.

If you want the full experience, you can push for the strenuous route stretching over six miles round-trip. The easier walks run just a couple of miles, so you have real flexibility depending on your dog’s fitness level and how much history you want to absorb.

Parking is tight here, especially on weekends, and the proximity to Malibu beaches means this place draws crowds year-round. Carpooling is worth considering seriously. The park has picnic areas if you want to bring food and spend extra time. Plan on arriving early if you’re going on a Saturday or Sunday, and bring water for both you and your dog since the shaded canyon trail doesn’t mean there will be drinking water available along the way.