Franklin Canyon Park
A serene 605-acre oasis in Beverly Hills, offering tranquil lakes, abundant wildlife, and scenic hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Franklin Canyon Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 605-acre oasis in Beverly Hills, offering tranquil lakes, abundant wildlife, and scenic hiking trails.
"Franklin Canyon feels like a secret nature escape in the middle of the city."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Boots with good traction are recommended.
🐶 Leashed dogs welcome
Bring your furry friends along for the adventure!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Franklin Canyon Lake
Upper Franklin Reservoir
A serene, three-acre lake offering a peaceful escape with abundant wildlife.
Duck Pond & Wildlife
Heavenly Pond
Home to numerous turtles, koi, and ducks, making it a delightful spot for nature lovers.
Hiking Trails
Various trailheads
Over five miles of trails wind through oak woodlands, perfect for a refreshing hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking
Visitor Center Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Boots with good traction are recommended.
🐶 Leashed dogs welcome
Bring your furry friends along for the adventure!
🚗 Free parking available
A rare perk in LA! Arrive early for the best spots.
📸 Capture the serenity
This hidden oasis is perfect for nature photography. 
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Boots with good traction are recommended.
🐶 Leashed dogs welcome
Bring your furry friends along for the adventure!
🚗 Free parking available
A rare perk in LA! Arrive early for the best spots.
📸 Capture the serenity
This hidden oasis is perfect for nature photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Franklin Canyon Park's serene atmosphere and natural beauty, calling it a 'secret nature escape' in the heart of LA. The free parking and abundant wildlife, including ducks, turtles, and koi, are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the park's grounds are well-maintained and offer lovely trails and picnic spots, some note that the visitor center has been closed due to funding shortages.
"Overall experience:it offers hiking trails, but unfortunately my visit was significantly impacted by an unexpected $100 citation issued by MRCA (Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority).
If you plan to visit, I strongly recommend reading this review carefully.
🌿 Trail Overview
Reservoir Loop Trail (main trail)
A flat loop around the reservoir, approximately 1.5 miles.
Easy, accessible, and suitable for walking, casual jogging, kids, or dogs.
Hastings Trail (optional extension)
For those looking for slightly more elevation and variety, this trail offers a moderate workout through oak and maple woodland without being overly challenging.
Forest atmosphere
The shaded paths and filtered sunlight create a calm, scenic environment ideal for photos and relaxed movement.
⚠️ Important Note About Traffic Enforcement (MRCA)
At the same time and same location, both my vehicle and my friend’s vehicle were ticketed via photo enforcement.
Key concerns:
• The location is not a conventional intersection
• It appears to be an ordinary roadside area
• A STOP sign is placed in an unexpected position
• There is no advance warning signage
• There are no clear environmental cues indicating drivers should anticipate a full stop
From a driver’s perspective, this setup makes it very difficult to anticipate the requirement to stop, even when driving attentively.
This experience felt less like proactive safety guidance and more like enforcement without sufficient visual or contextual warning.
Final Assessment
While the hiking trails themselves are enjoyable, this enforcement experience significantly affected my visit.
As a result, I would personally be hesitant to return to Franklin Canyon Park for hiking in the future."
alin
"Went here on a Saturday in April. Saw a video on ig posted by the tannr guy and had to check it out. We didn’t know where to park but we parked on the side at the baseline. It was pretty steep and I would recommend boots with traction. We slipped a few times. There were signs that said leashed dog friendly."
Gwen Davis
"Really enjoyed that terrain. Unfortunately, the visitor center has been closed with funding shortages, but the grounds are marvelous. The water is lovely and there are ducks and turtles and Koi in the pond as well as wonderful old growth trees."
jo Cobbett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Franklin Canyon Park is located at 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. While the north entrance off Mulholland Drive has been closed to vehicles due to erosion, you can access the park via the Beverly Hills entrance.
Yes, Franklin Canyon Park offers free parking. However, it's a popular spot, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is advised. If the main lot is full, some visitors have parked on the baseline, but be prepared for steep terrain.
Yes, biking is a popular activity at Franklin Canyon Park. Visitors have enjoyed riding bikes around the park for hours.
Information on public transport access is limited, but given its location, it's likely best accessed by car.
The park is generally open daily from 7 am to sunset.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Franklin Canyon Park is free to enter and offers free parking, making it an accessible natural escape.
There are no entrance fees for Franklin Canyon Park.
The visitor center has faced funding issues and may be closed. It's advisable to check its status before your visit if you plan to use its facilities.
Yes, dogs are allowed in Franklin Canyon Park as long as they are kept on a leash.
Franklin Canyon Park is typically open from 7 AM until sunset.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking on over five miles of trails, picnicking in designated areas, observing wildlife like ducks, turtles, and koi at the lake and pond, and exploring the nature center. +1
Yes, Franklin Canyon Park offers several easy trails perfect for a short, refreshing hike, suitable for various fitness levels.
Visitors often spot ducks, turtles, and koi in the lake and pond. Deer have also been seen in the park.
Absolutely! The serene lake, abundant wildlife, and beautiful oak woodlands make it a fantastic spot for nature photography.
Yes, the park has numerous picnic areas and is a popular spot for picnicking, offering a beautiful natural setting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Franklin Canyon Park itself. However, it's conveniently located near Beverly Hills, where you can find many dining options.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics.
Franklin Canyon Park has many picnic areas equipped with tables, making it ideal for a day out.
Information about a cafe or snack bar is not readily available, and the visitor center may be closed. It's best to bring your own refreshments.
After visiting the park, you can find great lunch spots in Beverly Hills, such as The Hideaway.
📸 📸 Photography
The Franklin Canyon Lake and the duck pond are particularly picturesque. The oak woodlands also offer beautiful backdrops for nature photography.
Yes, with ducks, turtles, and koi in the water, and the possibility of seeing deer, it's a great location for wildlife photography.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check with the park authorities or the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) for current drone policies.
Franklin Canyon Park has been used as a filming location for productions like 'American Horror Story 1984'. For commercial filming, permits are likely required.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park's easy trails are perfect for little legs, and the picnic areas provide a great spot for a family meal amidst nature. 🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Don't forget sturdy footwear, as some paths can be steep and slippery. 📸 Photographers
+1 Capture the diverse wildlife, from the colorful koi to the basking turtles, or focus on the textures and light filtering through the oak woodlands. The park's serene atmosphere and natural beauty provide a perfect canvas for both landscape and wildlife photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Franklin Canyon Park
Many visitors appreciate the variety, noting that you can enjoy a quick walk or a longer exploration depending on your time and energy. Some trails can be steep and require good traction, especially if you venture off the main reservoir loop.
Wildlife Encounters at Franklin Canyon
Beyond the aquatic life, the park's oak woodlands are also home to various species. While less commonly seen, deer have been spotted within the park, offering a delightful surprise for lucky visitors.
Franklin Canyon Park: A Filming Location Gem
This cinematic history adds an extra layer of intrigue for visitors who can explore the very locations where iconic scenes were filmed. The park's natural beauty and relatively secluded feel make it an ideal setting for creating atmospheric and memorable on-screen moments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit