Franklin Canyon Park

Franklin Canyon Park

Franklin Canyon Park rests on 605 acres near the center of Los Angeles between the San Fernando Valley and Beverly Hills. Within the park, boundaries are chaparral, grasslands and oak woodlands, a three-acre lake, a duck pond, expansive picnic grounds, and over five miles of hiking trails. A smaller pond is also inviting with a walking path, a little fountain, ducks, geese, turtles, and fish. Franklin Canyon Park is a lovely spot to bring the children or enjoy a romantic date at sundown with a picnic and walk.

Franklin Canyon Park's main feature is Franklin Canyon Lake. This beautiful serene, natural, landscape is surrounded by cattails, pine trees, and some perfectly placed palm trees. An easy stroll around the reservoir offers views of birds and wildlife, as well as access to moderate to strenuous trails like the Hastain Trail, 2.3 miles round trip, which rises to offer views from West L.A. to the Pacific.

Hastain Trail: 2.3 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous—Rising steadily on a fire road through the chaparral-covered slope, you will arrive at an overlook offering views of the lower canyon, west Los Angeles and, on a clear day, the Pacific Ocean. From there, the trail drops down to a single track trail to the lawn at the Ranch Area next to the old Doheny house.

Berman Trail: 1 mile to Mulholland Drive, moderate to strenuous—Allows you to hike across the Santa Monica Mountains from Franklin Canyon to Coldwater Canyon Park and Wilacre Park.

Film
Franklin Canyon Park has been a cinematic gem, gracing the silver screen with its stunning landscapes in a plethora of iconic films. From the legendary hitch-hiking scene in "It Happened One Night" (1934) to the eerie waters of "Creature from the Black Lagoon" (1954), and the serene backdrop of "On Golden Pond" (1981), the park has offered a diverse range of settings for cinematic storytelling. Whether serving as a tranquil pond in classic dramas or a mysterious lagoon in creature features, Franklin Canyon Park has played a pivotal role in creating memorable moments in film history.

Television
The allure of Franklin Canyon Park extends to the small screen, making it a sought-after location for various television productions. From the nostalgic opening credits fishing hole in "The Andy Griffith Show" to the otherworldly landscapes featured in "Star Trek," "Twin Peaks," and "American Horror Story: 1984," the park has become a versatile and timeless backdrop for television storytelling. Its lush greenery and diverse terrains have set the stage for everything from family-friendly series like "The Waltons" to iconic dramas like "Dynasty" and gripping mysteries like "Murder She Wrote," showcasing its enduring appeal across a wide spectrum of television genres.

Music
Franklin Canyon Park's natural beauty served as a captivating backdrop for renowned photographer Guy Webster, gracing the album covers of iconic musical works. The park's tranquil ambiance and scenic vistas provided the perfect setting for the "Sounds of Silence" album cover by Simon & Garfunkel, creating a visual complement to the duo's timeless music. Additionally, Franklin Canyon Park lent its allure to "Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass)," an album by The Rolling Stones, showcasing its versatility as a picturesque canvas for capturing the essence of musical masterpieces. The park's influence in the world of album cover art further attests to its timeless and cross-disciplinary appeal.