Studio City: Fryman Canyon, aka. Wilacre Park, aka. Betty B. Dearing Trail.

Wilacre Park.  Also know by locals as just "Fryman"

 Distance:  3 mile loop or 4 mile out and back.

Difficulty:  Easy to moderate.

Time: 45 minutes to an hour.

Views: Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Universal City, Verdugo Mountains.

Parking:  There's a large parking lot off of Fryman Road.  Parking is $3, and you'll need exact change.  Use the "iron ranger" and pay with singles or use the automated parking machine which accepts quarters.  Both are located in the parking lot.  Also, you can park on Laurel Canyon for free, if you're lucky enough to find a spot.   The residential area, known as Fryman Estates, is a strict no parking zone.  I've seen people ticketed and towed.  Just read the signs, and you'll be fine!

Parking fees and rules.

Two Iron Rangers and the Parking Machine.

Park on Laurel Canyon Blvd.  Spots Fill Quickly, Especially on the Weekend.

Directions:  From the 101 freeway exit Laurel Canyon Blvd.  Head South.  Turn right onto Fryman Road.  You'll see the parking lot immediately to your right.  From West Hollywood, take Laurel Canyon towards Studio City.  Turn left onto Laurel Canyon Road, the parking lot is immediately to your right.

Cell Reception: Spotty

Trail Condition:  Well maintained fire road.  Very populated, especially on the weekend. 

Fresh Water: There's a drinking fountain at the trailhead and one just past the summit at Tree People.  Also, there's a beautiful doggie fountain at the top.

Drinking fountain at Tree People

Doggie Drinking Fountain at Tree People

Public Restrooms:  There's a port-a-potty in the parking lot at the trailhead.  Use with caution.  It's usually full because of the popularity of this hike.

Description: I've done this trail hundreds of times, and I think it must be the most popular hiking trail in the San Fernando Valley.  It's a great place to people watch and star gaze Los Angeles style (more than likely, you'll see a celeb or two on your hike).  On the plus side, it's easy to get to, easy to park, and provides a great 45 minute workout outdoors.  On a clear day, the views are beautiful.  There are plenty of negatives, though.  This trail is always busy!  During the week, it's bustling with valley moms and both struggling and working actors.  If you want to "get away" from the hustle of city life, this is not the hike for you.  On the weekend, it's positively bustling.  

Technically, this is the Betty B.  Dearing Trail.  The Locals all Call it "Fryman".

The trail head is located right off the parking lot.  It's very easy to find.  Just follow the people.

You'll start the hike with a rigorous uphill climb on a paved 1/2 mile fire road.  This is the toughest leg of the hike.

The dirt fire road continues for most of the rest of the hike. Continue another mile to the summit and saddle. 

During the uphill climb, catch the beautiful views of Studio City and North Hollywood. 

Just after the summit, you'll come to a plateau.  The entrance to tree people is to the right.  If you have time, take a quick detour up to tree people.

Tree People's Outdoor Classroom.  Learn About Water Conservation.

Picnic Area at Tree People

My favorite spot on the hike...take a rest and take in the view of the Santa Monica Mountains and the hilly neighborhood of Studio City.

View from the bench.

Continue your hike down the fire road.  You'll come to a gate that leads to the residential portion of your hike.  

Here, you can turn back and make the hike a four mile out-and-back or continue on for a three mile loop.

The Last Leg of the Hike Through Fryman Estates