Franklin Canyon

Franklin Canyon Park is a 605-acre property in central LA, nestled between Beverly Hills and California's San Fernando Valley. In that space, there's a three-acre lake, an amphitheater, an auditorium, a duck pond, and so much more. If you're looking for dog-friendly hikes in the area, give Franklin Canyon Park and its five pawesome trails a try!

The park's five trails are the 0.3-mile Discovery Trail, the 2.3-mile Hastain Trail, the 1-mile Berman Trail, the 1.5-mile Franklin Canyon Lake Loop, or the 2.5-mile Chaparral Trail.

For a gentle hike that's ideal for dogs and children, trek the Discovery Trail. You'll come across all sorts of wildflowers and birds along the path, while also crossing through a walnut forest and through the bottom of the canyon. Most of the trail's surface is relatively flat so you won't have to worry about steep drop-offs on the path, and it's also easy to push a stroller along. There are plenty of opportunities to educate your child about this ecologically significant area along the trail. To learn more about the area, you can stop into the visitors center.

One of the most exciting features of Franklin Canyon Park is the vast reservoir you can hike around. If this area happens to look familiar to you, it's probably because you've seen it in several movies and television shows! The Franklin Canyon Lake Loop will take you around the reservoir, where there are plenty of prime places to stop for a snack. You can choose to hike the entire 1.5-mile loop, but there is also a one-mile option if you're short on time.

Pack plenty of water for you and your dog to drink during your trek. Hikers recommend packing bug spray as well when you visit the trails at Franklin Canyon, and like any other hike in California, look out for snakes.

You and your dog will have a lovely time enjoying one of these peaceful Californian hikes!