Читать книгу 101 Hikes in Southern California. Exploring Mountains, Seashore, and Desert онлайн

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When you reach the northeast end of Dume Cove, swing left around a lesser point and continue another mile over a somewhat wider beach to Paradise Cove, site of an elegant beachside restaurant, private pier, and parking lot (the public is welcome for a hefty parking fee unless they spend at least $20 at the restaurant). If you’ve parked a bicycle or second car here, then your hike ends here. Otherwise you can return the way you came or wend your way along the residential streets of Point Dume to return to Westward Beach.

HIKE 9

Solstice Canyon Park

Location: Santa Monica Mountains (Malibu)

Highlights: Superb oak woodland and lessons in fire ecology

Distance: 2.4 miles (out-and-back)

Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 350'/350'

Hiking Time: 1½ hours

Optional Maps: Trails Illustrated Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area or USGS 7.5-minute Malibu Beach and Point Dume

Best Times: All year

Agency: SMMNRA

Difficulty: Easy

Trail Use: Dogs allowed, good for kids

The easy-going but scenic Solstice Canyon Trail takes you through the grounds of the former Robert’s Ranch—now Solstice Canyon Park, a site administered by the National Park Service. The canyon once hosted a private zoo where giraffes, camels, deer, and exotic birds roamed. At trail’s end you come to Tropical Terrace, the site of an architecturally noted grand home that burned in a 1982 wildfire.