Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir Loop via Ranch Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a very easy loop trail in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

This iconic trail goes to the Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir where the opening credits of the Andy Griffith show were filmed and also includes Heavenly Pond.

Getting Started

Enter on Franklin Canyon Drive which at the corner of Coldwater Canyon and Mulholland drives. You'll park at the first parking lot. Walk around the reservoir where there are birds and turtles. On the return trip make sure to walk around the Heavenly pond which is very nice. You can shorten the hike to just walking around the lake.

See https://www.gaiagps.com/hike/united-states/california/franklin-canyon-park/ for more information on the park.

Dogs on a leash are okay: https://mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/franklin-canyon-park/

Taking Children

This is an excellent site for children, lots of shade, lake, restrooms, water, picnic tables, easy hiking.