Fryman - Franklin Foray

We leave the lot on the main wide trail (the Betty B. Dearing Trail), a gently climbing fire road that gets our legs warmed up. We'll be surrounded by oaks and chaparral almost immediately, and within a few minutes we'll already be above the street noise.

In just a few minutes we trun left on the narrow and more scenic U-Vanu Trail. As the U-Vanu Trail rises, the terrain becomes more open and sunlit, and the path connects naturally into the broader Fryman Canyon trail network. Here the hike takes on a more energetic rhythm, with wider fire roads, airy ridgelines, and expansive views that contrast with the tucked-away feel of the trailhead. This section delivers the classic Fryman experience: steady climbing, open skies, and a sense of space above the city.

Near Mulholland Drive, the route crests the ridge and transitions toward Franklin Canyon. Crossing over, the landscape changes quickly—oak and sycamore trees replace scrub, the trail narrows, and the air cools as you descend. The shift from Fryman’s exposed hills to Franklin’s shaded canyon feels dramatic and refreshing.

A brief stop at the TreePeople exhibits adds a thoughtful pause, offering insight into local ecology, water conservation, and the relationship between these canyons and Los Angeles. Deeper in Franklin Canyon, the trail meanders past creek beds and historic stone features to the Franklin Canyon Reservoir, where wildlife and still water create a peaceful midpoint.

The hike concludes by climbing back out of Franklin Canyon and returning to Fryman Canyon, eventually reconnecting with the Betty B. Dearing Trail. The final stretch restores the views and sunlight, completing a satisfying loop that blends neighborhood access, open ridgelines, shaded canyon trails, and a full-circle return to the parking lot

Hike is about 5.5 miles with appx 1,300 feet total ascent and rated MEDIUM. See the HWD Hike Rating Guide

DIRECTIONS
Park in the Wilacre Park parking lot (this is the main lot and trail head). Overflow parking can be found on Laurel Terrace Dr (west of Laurel Canyon Blvd), see https://maps.app.goo.gl/gN9UExnNNunMM3HcA