Journey to the Center of the City

On this 5-6-mile hike I will take you through Franklin Canyon and then a bit off-trail to the "planar" center of Los Angeles. It will make a great photo opp. Hike is suitable for fit beginners.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/2/7/6/event_81769782.jpegFranklin Canyon Park is one of the very few places in LA with a greenbelt filled with pines, sycamore, eucalyptus and cedars, most notably the Atlas Cedar and mature Coast Redwoods that are a rare site in most big cities.

Highlights along the way to the center of the city:

Franklin Canyon Lake: the location where we see Opie skipping a rock in the water during the opening credits of The Andy Griffith Show and Capt. Kirk falling in love with an Indian maiden on Star Trek.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/f/1/4/event_81773012.jpegThe Doheny House: The family of oil baron Edward L. Doheny used the canyon as a summer retreat and a place to graze and water their cattle. The Doheny family built a Spanish style home here in 1935.

Heavenly Pond: is a small duck pond located to the west of the Franklin Canyon Lake

Bring a snack and a bottle of water.

Elevation gain is easy to moderate with an optional strenuous side trip for the more experienced hiker.

Directions - Parking is Free

From West Los Angeles: head north on Beverly Drive following signs to Coldwater Canyon. Turn left on Coldwater/Beverly Drive, and turn left again on Beverly Drive, at Fire Station No. 2. The third right is Franklin Canyon Drive. Continue through the residential area to park entrance. At the intersection of Franklin Canyon Drive and Lake Drive turn right onto Lake and to go to Franklin Canyon Ranch site (do not go to Nature Center)

From the San Fernando Valley: take the 101 to Coldwater Canyon Boulevard. Head south to the intersection of Coldwater Canyon and Mulholland Drive. Make a 90 degree right turn onto Franklin Canyon Drive. Road signs read "Road Closed 800 Feet" "Sunset to Sunrise"; this is the park entrance. Do NOT make a U-turn as this will bring you onto Mulholland Drive instead of Franklin Canyon. Stay on paved surface and continue south of the lake for 1.5 miles, bearing left onto Lake Dr at stop sign, to reach the Franklin Canyon Ranch site area. (You will go past the nature center)