View from the top of the Hastain Trail in Franklin Canyon

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Franklin Canyon

• Location: Hollywood Hills.  From the San Fernando Valley, take the 101 freeway to Coldwater Canyon.  Head south on Coldwater for 2.5 miles and take a right on Franklin Canyon Drive.  Go one mile, turn right to stay on Franklin Canyon Drive and turn left on Lake Drive.  Go 0.3 miles to the parking area, and pick up the trail on the left side of the street.  From Sunset Blvd., head north on Beverly Drive for 0.4 miles.  Take a left to stay on Beverly, and then another left 0.2 miles later.  In 0.9 miles, take a right on Franklin Canyon Drive.  Go 1.1 miles and take a right on Lake Drive, and go 0.3 miles to the parking area.
• Agency: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
• Distance: 2 miles
• Elevation gain: 400 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG
• Suggested time: 1 hour
• Best season: Year round
• USGS topo map: Beverly Hills
• More information: here
• Rating: 5

There are many trails that I drove by for years without knowing of their existence, but in the case of Franklin Canyon, I literally walked right by the trail – perhaps even along part of it – when I was hired to play music at a private event in the park.  My first time back as a hiker, I was disappointed to find that the trail was closed to due many bees in the area.  When I made it back, I got to hike this loop, which is one of several possible trips in the park.

From the parking area, look for the Hastain Trail fire road which heads uphill steeply, climbing to a ridge in less than a mile where you have a near-360 degree view.  The scenery includes the Hollywood Hills and the Los Angeles basin to the east, and Santa Monica and the ocean to the left.

The trail continues in both directions.  You can extend your like by heading left and walking north along the ridge, continuing to take in the views, but this route heads back into the canyon, turning right onto the single-track.  After less than a mile of steep descent, you arrive at a picnic area with an amphitheater (the site of my musical performance!)  Take a right and return to the parking area, either via the main road or one of two single-track trails that parallel it.

If you enjoyed this tour of Franklin Canyon, check out some of  the other sites to see in the park, such as the Sooky Goldman nature center and Hidden Pond.