FRANKLIN CANYON LAKE HIKE DISTANCE: .6 Miles Roundtrip, including a short spur
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TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS |
Flora and Fauna of Franklin Canyon Park
Toyon (California) Holly
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Pampas Grass
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Western Pond Turtle
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Wood Duck
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Franklin Canyon Lake
Franklin Canyon Park is one of my favorite outdoor destinations in Los Angeles. Straddling the hills between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley, this small park packs a lot of features into 605 acres. There are nature trails, outdoor amphitheater, nature center and classroom and, of course, the idyllic Franklin Canyon Lake. The lake is actually a reservoir built in 1914 to distribute water from the Owen Valley far to our east.
The creation of the lake turned this once arid canyon into a riparian oasis, providing safe shelter for migratory birds. In fact, there may be no better location for birdwatching in all of Los Angeles County. As a source for drinking water, the reservoir has been decommissioned, but the natural beauty this man-made lake created continues.
The loop trail around Franklin Canyon Lake is short, easy and perfect for families with small children. Parents with strollers may want to stay on the paved road around the lake, but for those with rambunctious small ones with energy to burn, the nature path around the lake offers a great opportunity to introduce the 'wilderness experience' to young minds. There are open vistas across the lake from the dam, dense foliage trails that feel prehistoric, a duck pond and plenty of curious turtles poking their heads up from beneath the surface of the lake. While you can begin the hike from any of the numerous parking points around the lake, this trail guide begins at the large dirt lot on the west side of the reservoir.
The creation of the lake turned this once arid canyon into a riparian oasis, providing safe shelter for migratory birds. In fact, there may be no better location for birdwatching in all of Los Angeles County. As a source for drinking water, the reservoir has been decommissioned, but the natural beauty this man-made lake created continues.
The loop trail around Franklin Canyon Lake is short, easy and perfect for families with small children. Parents with strollers may want to stay on the paved road around the lake, but for those with rambunctious small ones with energy to burn, the nature path around the lake offers a great opportunity to introduce the 'wilderness experience' to young minds. There are open vistas across the lake from the dam, dense foliage trails that feel prehistoric, a duck pond and plenty of curious turtles poking their heads up from beneath the surface of the lake. While you can begin the hike from any of the numerous parking points around the lake, this trail guide begins at the large dirt lot on the west side of the reservoir.
Lakeside Trail, Franklin Canyon Lake
Following the trail in a northerly fashion from the parking lot, you will descend a series of steps through a glade of old oak trees and a mixture of lake grasses. The trail winds leisurely to an old pump house, a rather unsightly blemish on this otherwise beautiful location. From the pump house, the trail hairpins to the right and descends to lake level. The trail continues across a stony wash along the perimeter of a field of lake grasses and cattails. Clearing the wash, the trail turns right and follows the eastern shore of the lake past several great photo spots and Turtle Beach. The beach is a sandy entry point into the lake and has a bench for watching hungry turtles and ducks parading in and out of the lake. Tempted as you might be, don't feed the wildlife. The park service frowns heavily on this practice.
From Turtle Beach, the trail moves slightly away from the lake and leads through a dense, lush landscape that feels almost primeval. For these few moments, it is quite possible to forget that you are located in almost the exact center of one of the world's largest cities. As the trail turns back toward the lake, you will pass through a section of pine and holly bushes, making your way to the earthen dam on the southern edge of the lake. A series of wooden steps will bring you to the top of the dam where you turn right. Along the dam are unobstructed views of the lake to the north and Franklin Canyon to the south.
After crossing the dam, the trail continues for a short section on a paved road past the ranger's home and another series of picturesque photo stops.The trail turns left at Heavenly Pond and loops around this duck and turtle water feature created as part of a Boy Scout project. There are a number of benches and picnic tables along this section of trail for rest and contemplation. It's also a great place to do some bird watching.
Completing the loop around Heavenly Pond brings you back to the paved road. Turn left and continue a few steps back to the parking area and complete your hike.
While it is not a particularly challenging trail nor does it offer the grand sweeping vistas of some other area hikes, a trek around Franklin Canyon Lake may be the easiest way to rejuvenate your spirit in the City of Angeles. For more information on the history of Franklin Canyon Park and how this jewel of nature was almost lost to development, check out our blog Franklin Canyon Park - Los Angeles' Hidden Oasis.
From Turtle Beach, the trail moves slightly away from the lake and leads through a dense, lush landscape that feels almost primeval. For these few moments, it is quite possible to forget that you are located in almost the exact center of one of the world's largest cities. As the trail turns back toward the lake, you will pass through a section of pine and holly bushes, making your way to the earthen dam on the southern edge of the lake. A series of wooden steps will bring you to the top of the dam where you turn right. Along the dam are unobstructed views of the lake to the north and Franklin Canyon to the south.
After crossing the dam, the trail continues for a short section on a paved road past the ranger's home and another series of picturesque photo stops.The trail turns left at Heavenly Pond and loops around this duck and turtle water feature created as part of a Boy Scout project. There are a number of benches and picnic tables along this section of trail for rest and contemplation. It's also a great place to do some bird watching.
Completing the loop around Heavenly Pond brings you back to the paved road. Turn left and continue a few steps back to the parking area and complete your hike.
While it is not a particularly challenging trail nor does it offer the grand sweeping vistas of some other area hikes, a trek around Franklin Canyon Lake may be the easiest way to rejuvenate your spirit in the City of Angeles. For more information on the history of Franklin Canyon Park and how this jewel of nature was almost lost to development, check out our blog Franklin Canyon Park - Los Angeles' Hidden Oasis.
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Directions to TrailheadFranklin Canyon Park
2600 Franklin Canyon Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 34.120880, -118.410440 From the Valley, take Coldwater Canyon Dr. south from exit 15 on the 101. Proceed 2.5 miles to Franklin Canyon Dr and turn right. Continue for 1.4 miles to the parking area. From the Los Angeles Basin, head north on N Beverly Dr for .65 miles to the junction with Coldwater Canyon. At the junction, stay on N Beverly Dr by veering left and continue .9-miles to the junction with Franklin Canyon Dr. Veer right on Franklin Canyon Dr and continue 1.9 miles to the parking area. This route will circumnavigate the lake. Stop signs in the park are photo enforced, so make sure you come to a full and complete stop or you may receive an unexpected surprise in the mail. |
Franklin Canyon Lake Loop Trail Guide
Parking
Day use parking is located at various points around the lake. For the purposes of this guide, use the large dirt lot located on the west side of the reservoir just north of Heavenly Pond. 
Rest Rooms and Water
A water fountain and restrooms are located Sooky Goldman Nature Center. A pit toilet is also located at Heavenly Pond. 
Trailhead
The trail begins at the wooden railing in the dirt parking area located on the west side of the lake. Descend the steps and follow the trail in a northerly direction for about .1 mile to the old pump house facility. Here the trail will make a hairpin turn to the right and descend to lake level 
Rocky Traverse
Cross the rocky traverse across the wash to the east side of the lake. There are some great photo opportunities across the grasses and cattails crowding the northern end of the lake. Continuing south you will reach Turtle Beach at about .2 mile. 
Photo Opportunity 1
Looking west across the lake provides some picturesque shots of cattails. 
Turtle Beach
This spot on the edge of the reservoir is a great place to meet some friendly turtles looking for handouts. Be warned though that the park service frowns heavily on feeding the wildlife. Continuing on the trail for .15 miles leads through a dense, lush primeval landscape, through a stand of pine and arriving at the steps leading to the top of the dam. 
Dam Steps
You will reach the steps at about .35 miles into your journey. Ascend the steps to reach the top of the earthen dam. 
Trail Junction 2
You will reach the steps at about .35 miles into your journey. Ascend the steps and turn right to cross the dam with its unobstructed views across the lake. 
Photo Opportunity
As you leave the dam, the trail follows the paved road through another stand of pine with some great photo opportunities across the lake. This view is particularly nice just before sunset. Continue on the road to Trail Junction 2 at Heavenly Pond. 
Trail Junction 2: Heavenly Pond
Turn left off the paved road onto the Heavenly Pond trail which loops around this waterfowl habit for .1 mile. 
Heavenly Pond
A waterfowl habitat for migratory birds constructed as part of Boy Scouts’ project. 
Trail Junction 3
Turn left onto the paved Franklin Canyon Drive and proceed back to the parking area where you began. 
End of Trail
Congratulations! You've completed the loop around Franklin Canyon Lake. Now take a few minutes and explore the other great features this park has to offer. |
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Trailhead
Cattails and Marshy Area
Turtle Beach
Trail Junction 2 at Heavenly Pond
Ducks on Heavenly Pond
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