Fryman - Franklin Foray

NEW DATE
Beginning the hike at the U-Vanu Trail on Viewcrest Drive immediately gives the outing a quieter, more residential feel than the main Fryman Canyon entrances. The trail slips gently away from the street and begins a steady climb through chaparral and low brush, with filtered views back toward the San Fernando Valley opening up as you gain elevation. It feels calm and local at first, as if you’ve discovered a back door into the hills.

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 U-Vanu route. 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 Viewcrest Drive.

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),