Franklin Canyon Park

[Photo from hellola.cn]

Trail: Discovery Trail

Distance: About 1 mile round-trip

Special Feature: Franklin Canyon Lake and the Sooky Goldman Nature Center

Getting There: From West Los Angeles, head north on Beverly Drive, following signs to Coldwater Canyon. Turn left on Coldwater/Beverly Dr., and turn left again on Beverly Dr., at Fire Station No. 2. The third right is Franklin Canyon Dr. Continue through the residential area to the park entrance. At the intersection of Franklin Canyon Dr. and Lake Dr. turn right to go to Franklin Canyon Ranch site, or turn left to go to the Sooky Goldman Nature Center and Franklin Canyon Lake.

Located near Benedict Canyon at the geographical center of Los Angeles, Franklin Canyon Park spans 605 acres and features over five miles of hiking trails. The park's history dates to 1914, when William Mulholland built the Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir. In the 1930s, the family of oil baron Edward Doheny used the canyon as a summer retreat. The easy stroll around the reservoir offers plentiful views of birds and wildlife, as well as access to other, more difficult trails such as the Hastain Trail, which rises to offer views from West LA to the Pacific.

Pop culture fans will likely recognize Franklin Canyon Park, which is frequently used as a TV and film location, including the famous hitchhiking scene from It Happened One Night with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. The 3-acre Franklin Lake was the "fishing hole" in the opening credits of The Andy Griffith Show, as well as the lagoon in the Universal Studios horror classic Creature from the Black Lagoon. The park was also the background for the cover photo of Simon & Garfunkel's album Sounds of Silence.

Wilacre Park

[Photo from hellola.cn]

Trail: Betty B. Dearing Trail

Distance: About 2.5 miles round-trip

Special Feature: Panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley, TreePeople, "Rainforest"

Getting There: From Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, take Laurel Canyon Blvd. about a mile south to Fryman Road. Make a right and you'll see the large parking lot (fee: $1-3), which features restrooms, water fountains and picnic area.

Because its parking lot entrance is located on Fryman Road, the 128-acre Wilacre Park is often mistakenly referred to as Fryman Canyon Park. In fact, this hike can take you through three parks: Wilacre, Fryman Canyon and Coldwater Canyon. The well-shaded, dog-friendly Betty B. Dearing Trail starts off steep before it begins to level off after a quarter mile. One mile into your hike and you'll be at Coldwater Canyon Park, home of TreePeople, a leading environmental nonprofit organization. The cul-de-sac at Iredell Lane leads you to the hidden Rainforest Trail within Fryman Canyon.

Eaton Canyon

Trail: Eaton Canyon Trail

Distance: Just under 4 miles

Special Feature: 40-foot waterfall, Eaton Canyon Nature Center

Getting There: From the 210 Freeway, head north on Altadena Drive about 1.5 miles to the park entrance. Eaton Canyon Natural Area is located at 1750 North Altadena Drive, one block north of New York Drive in Pasadena.

Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the Eaton Canyon Natural Area is a 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve situated at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy equestrian trails with a staging area, picnic areas, a seasonal stream, and native flora and fauna in their natural habitats. The Eaton Canyon Nature Center features a wonderful variety of live animals on display, fascinating exhibits and useful visitor information.

From the trailhead at the north end of the parking lot, hike along the well-marked main path of the Eaton Canyon Trail to the junction marked WATERFALL. Continue to the next junction and follow the trail under the concrete bridge and into Eaton Canyon. From here, the trail is less defined and much more rugged. There's boulder-hopping and - depending on the season and rainfall - you could be creek-crossing, so be prepared. Continue through the main canyon and you'll arrive at a 40-foot waterfall, an especially popular destination during the summer, thanks to its cooling mist and the small pool at its base.

Will Rogers State Park

Trail: Rustic Canyon Loop/Inspiration Point Trail

Distance: About 6 miles round-trip

Special Feature: Exploring what was once the private ranch of a Hollywood star

Getting There: Head to Will Rogers State Park in Santa Monica. The main road to the park is just off Sunset Blvd. about a half mile east of Chataqua Blvd. You can park the car near the visitor's center (fee: $12, seniors $11). The hike begins just behind the main ranch house at the park, next to the sign for Inspiration Point Trail.

After about a mile, you'll see the turnoff for Inspiration Point. It's a quick detour and worth the effort to head up this side route for some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the L.A. Basin and the Santa Monica Mountains. Follow Backbone Trail to the junction with Rustic Canyon. Follow that trail back to Will Rogers Park. After the hike, stroll around the park and enjoy a picnic on the massive lawn in front of the house.

There's much more of Santa Monica waiting to be explored. From the Museum of Flying to a 1920s-era speakeasy, discover the hidden gems of Santa Monica with our guide.