If you are looking for a nice trail to go on with the family this is it! Franklin Canyon Trail located near Studio City has everything you could ask for. It has beautiful views, a good balance of shade and sun, a lake, and plenty of wild life to enjoy. It's a good 2 mile trail for all skill levels and I want to share some pictures and videos to show you what to expect when you visit. It's the perfect place to escape to for a couple of hours to take in all the beauty nature has to offer.
On your way up to the trail you go though a winding road but it's not long before you arrive to the parking area. We parked in the first parking lot which has a lot of parking space and is free. Below is the sign you will see once you have arrived. For reference, I have provided a map highlighting the trail we took at the end of this post.
We then walked down the paved road which is also shared with cars so just stay off to the sides.
Once you walk down this paved path, to your left hand side you will come to an opening along the fence with some stairs, this is the Redwood Grove.
Once down the steps stay to the right and follow this trail all the way to another parking lot. This is where you will see the stairs which we walked down to get a better view of the lake. The three pictures down below is the area where we started the trail around the lake.
There are other areas where you can start the trail around the lake, however we liked this spot because it's a great area to take that first good look at the lake. Definitely has that WOW affect and its a great place to snap that first picture.
The trail is a dirt road most of the way around the lake but it's a pretty obvious path. Can be narrow at times as in the picture below.
I highly recommend you stay on the dirt trail because half way into the trail you will come across an area where you will be able to see several turtles in their natural habitat. This was probably one of our favorite spots. It's not everyday you get to see turtles just swimming around up close.
A little after this area, we came to other picturesque spots and beautiful lake scenery. Along the way there are several picnic areas where you can stop to rest or get a snack which is what we decided to do at this point. Pictures do no justice to the amazing views.
Towards the end of the dirt trail we came across several ducks which was another fun little surprise for us all.
Once we came to the stairs on the picture down below we decided to resume the trail on the paved path to the right. Again you will share this road with cars for a bit so stay to the side of the road. This path will take you to another fun little area to enjoy more wildlife and other beautiful views of the lake.
Many say this is the best seat in the house and we were lucky enough to find it empty to enjoy the view, capture some pictures and learn a little about the lake.
After you take this beautiful view in you will walk a couple of feet and to your left you will come to the beautiful Heavenly Pond. Here you will be able to admire more turtles, several large Koi fish, ducks, as well as more shaded areas with a couple tables to enjoy a picnic. This area was a little more busy so I would definitely suggest you enjoy your picnic on one of the tables found around the lake.
This area is also where we saw some restrooms, however I did not go inside so I'm not exactly sure of the conditions or even if they were open at the time.
Here is a picture of the map that will give you an idea of the trail around the lake. There are several other trails we plan to go back to visit. I highlighted how we got to our starting point and the way around the lake.
Thing to keep in mind before you visit:
This is considered an easy 2 mile loop trail for all ages
Furry friends are welcome to visit on a leash
This trail was visited 9/2020 and masks were REQUIRED once we entered the park
There was absolutely no charge for any part of this trail
This trail took us about 2 hours at a leisure pace with some rest and picture stops
I would not recommend strollers on the dirt path
We had very limited to no cell service as soon as we entered the area
There is some poison oak to the side of some parts of the trail, however as long as you stay on the path you won't come in contact with it
Are you ready to experience this beautiful trail for yourself?
If so, here is the address:
2600 Franklin Canyon Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210
This has been our absolute favorite trail so far. There is so much to see and enjoy in a clean, safe, family friendly environment and I'm excited for others to experience it as well.
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Talk to you later!
