Franklin Canyon Park

All Ages / All Types / Anything goes / Bicycle Riding / Casual / Chill / Diverse / Dog Friendly / Family / Free / Friendly / Great View / Hiking Trail / Laid back / Outdoor Activity / Outdoor Area / Park / Picnic / Private Room / Sporty / Sunbathers
Franklin Canyon Park Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is a quiet, 605-acre park hidden in the Santa Monica Mountains. Escape busy LA with Party Earth. Los Angeles United States 34.1278099981206 -118.408648967743
3.4 6
Franklin Canyon Park - Outdoor Activity | Park in Los Angeles.
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2 User Reviews
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Lucas
Adriana
Jonah
Emma

Party Earth Review Mostly obscured from view near the eastern edge of the Santa Monica Mountains, Franklin Canyon Park is a hidden gem for LA denizens looking to escape the crowds that so often invade the city’s better-known nature retreats... ... read full review

  • Neighborhood:

    Beverly Hills

  • Address:

    North Entrance: Mulholland Drive & Franklin Canyon Drive
    Los Angeles, CA 90210
    West Entrance: Franklin Canyon Drive & Moreland Drive West
    Los Angeles, CA 90210

    Get Directions

  • Hours:

    Daily 7am to sunset

  • Recommended as:

    • Day Spot

Party Earth Franklin Canyon Park Review

The Scene

Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is a quiet, 605-acre park hidden in the Santa Monica Mountains. Escape busy LA with Party Earth.

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles –

Mostly obscured from view near the eastern edge of the Santa Monica Mountains, Franklin Canyon Park is a hidden gem for LA denizens looking to escape the crowds that so often invade the city’s better-known nature retreats.

Unless they remember its cameo in the opening credits of the classic Andy Griffith Show, many longtime residents have never seen nor heard of this 605-acre expanse, home to two reservoirs, several dedicated picnic areas, and trails that extend more than five miles through oak tree- and chaparral-covered hills.

Facilities are relatively scant, though two amphitheaters and a large indoor auditorium intermittently host plays, weddings, and other special events, while a nature center and the William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom – though open to all – specifically seek to give inner city youths a taste of the world beyond asphalt and smog.

Considering both reservoirs are closed to public use, swimmers are out of luck, but anyone looking for a little water action can check out Heavenly Pond just west of the upper reservoir, where turtles, ducks, and many birds can be found.

As bikers stream through on their way back from a scenic ride along Mulholland Drive and hikers decide which wooded nook might be home to the park’s elusive bobcats, most visitors choose to just relax on the grass in Franklin Canyon Park, relishing the fact that LA feels a million miles away.

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Tip from Emma:

SLOW DOWN! There are three stop sign cameras in the park, and tickets run you $175. Park officials estimate they nab almost twenty people a day with those pesky lenses, so don’t be one of them. Besides, what’s the rush?

  • Crowd

    Diverse mix of hikers, joggers, dog-walkers, bikers, picnickers, sunbathers, bird-watchers, and school kids on a field trip. All ages.

  • Entertainment / Music

    Occasional plays in the open-air amphitheaters. Volunteer-led guided hikes and other nature programs regularly held at the Sooky Goldman Nature Center. Call 310-858-7272 ext. 131 for the most current nature center hours and program schedules.

  • Food / Miscellaneous

    Limited drinks and snacks available at nature center. Amphitheaters and the Eugene and Michael Rosenfeld Auditorium available for private rental. Reservations can be made by phone or on the park’s website.

  • Prices

    Most park facilities are free, including access to the nature center, many of the volunteer-led hikes, and the majority of programs put on by the William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom. Picnic tables are available on a first-come basis.

    Facility rental fees vary based on event.

  • What to Wear / Dress Code

    Anything goes, but obviously most visitors don casual or athletic wear.

  • Hot Nights / When to Go

    Any sunny day.

  • Close By

    Coldwater Canyon Park (12601 Mulholland Drive) is another natural sanctuary in LA located just north of Franklin Canyon Park across Mulholland Drive. Despite being only forty-five acres, the park offers visitors plenty in the way of uncrowded hiking trails and stunning views of the San Fernando Valley.

Tags:
All AgesAll TypesAnything goesBicycle RidingCasualChillDiverseDog FriendlyFamilyFreeFriendlyGreat ViewHiking TrailLaid backOutdoor AreaPicnicPrivate RoomSportySunbathers

Franklin Canyon Park User Reviews

Average rating:
Middle of the day perk
Karen Q.
Karen Q. Jun 21, 2013
One of the few advantages of a scattered city like Los Angeles are the wide ranges of open land that sneak their way in-between busy streets. I stumbled upon this park by accident and ended up taking a couple hours out of my running errands to lounge under a tree and read my book...Finally! The park is beautiful with many little nooks to sit and relax, or to enjoy a picnic with family and friends. Several hiking trails wind through the grassy hills, and sunset is the best time to wander these paths.
Franklin Canyon is a hidden gem!
Michelle C.
Michelle C. Jun 6, 2013
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of LA without leaving the city, you need to come to Franklin Canyon Park. The park is tucked away in the Studio City and Beverly Hills mountains. While everyone heads to Runyon to be seen, Franklin Canyon is the perfect place to unwind in privacy. Once you get out of your car, you are immediately greeted with the smell of fresh greenery and the beautiful sound of birds chirping. The mini pond and reservoir at Franklin Canyon are truly beautiful pieces of nature. You're bound to catch multiple duck families around the pond. You can even feed them bread crumbs. There are three trails at Franklin Canyon for your walking or running pleasure. The first is the Discovery Trail. It's a pretty easy trail that travels around the back woodland area towards the canyon bottom. The second is Berman Trail. This is a 1 mile trail towards Mulholland Drive. You get to hike across the Santa Monica Mountains all the down to Wilacre Park. The last trail is Hastain Trail. This trail lasts 2.3 miles round trip and would be classified as the toughest of the three. You will hike to the top of the mountain for a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. I've hiked that trail a few times and I have to say it was amazing! If you're not interesting in serious hiking, you can stop by the nature center to learn about wild plants and animals that may live at the park. They even have many exhibits in the center that are kid friendly as well! The biggest issue with going to Franklin Canyon are the hidden cameras placed by the stop signs. If you fail to stop completely, the camera will take a picture of your license plate and you'll get a $100+ ticket sent to you in the mail. That's pretty much the only down side of going to Franklin Canyon. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys spending time in nature.
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