Hidden in the hills between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley, Franklin Canyon Park is an underrated green pocket in L.A. with 605 acres of land and a lake to explore.
In contrast to the most famous L.A. hiking areas like Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park, Franklin Canyon is more popular among locals as a peaceful nature retreat. That’s not to say it’s completely unknown, though — in fact, the park has made cameos in several films and TV shows.
Keep reading for a closer look…
History and film cameos
The park’s modern history began in 1914, when the city built a reservoir in Franklin Canyon to supply central and west L.A. The surround area was used as a ranch retreat for the family of oil baron Edward L. Doheny before serving as a backdrop for Hollywood productions starting in the 1930s.
Film buffs may know it from It Happened One Night (1934), Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007), and many more. Not to mention TV shows including The Andy Griffith Show, Bonanza, Twin Peaks, and American Horrory Story: 1984. Even the album cover for Simon & Garfunkel’s Sounds of Silence was shot on the park’s path.
The canyon was slated for development in the 1970s, but conservationist Sooky Goldman and Congressman Howard Berman worked to preserve it for the public to enjoy. The National Park Service purchased the land in 1981, and today it is managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.
Visiting Franklin Canyon Park
Franklin Canyon Park is a dog-friendly area with lakes, easy-to-moderate trails, and restrooms and picnic areas. Swimming and fishing in the reservoir are not allowed, but it’s a lovely place to go for peaceful walks, cycling, photography, and bird watching.
Nature lovers will especially appreciate Franklin Canyon’s diverse wildlife and landscapes. Depending on the season, visitors may spot turtles sunning themselves by the lake, rabbits darting through the brush, or hawks circling overhead. The park’s mix of shaded oak groves, open grasslands, and chaparral-covered hillsides makes it feel far removed from the city, offering a refreshing reminder of Southern California’s natural beauty just minutes from busy urban streets.
If driving, just keep in mind that the north gate on Mulholland is closed for repairs, but you can enter the park from the south entrance.
Parking is free but can fill up on weekends, and the park is typically open from 7am to sunset.
🌐 Learn more: Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority