Franklin Canyon Park

In 1914, a reservoir was built in upper Franklin Canyon Park. This was the beginning of the park’s fascinating journey. Franklin Canyon Park sits nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains in Los Angeles. It’s a 605-acre oasis of nature. The park boasts a rich history. It began as a summer retreat for the Doheny family, oil barons who appreciated its tranquil beauty. William Mulholland, the visionary behind Los Angeles’ water system, also played a key role. He and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power constructed the reservoir that transformed the canyon. Franklin Canyon Park became a popular filming location in the 1930s. Claudette Colbert’s iconic hitchhiking scene in “It Happened One Night” was filmed here in 1935. The park continues to be a favorite for filmmakers. Approximately 25 films are shot there annually. In the 1970s, Franklin Canyon Park faced the threat of development. Conservationist Sooky Goldman and Congressman Howard Berman stepped in to protect it. Their efforts led to the creation of the park we know and love today. Franklin Canyon Park has over five miles of hiking trails. It features a three-acre lake, which is a haven for birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway. There’s also a charming duck pond, Heavenly Pond, which attracts a variety of bird species. The park offers a range of activities, from hiking and cycling to picnicking and birdwatching. The Sooky Goldman Nature Center and the William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom host natural history programs, enriching visitors’ understanding of the park’s ecosystem. Franklin Canyon Park is more than just a park. It’s a testament to the power of conservation, a haven for wildlife, and a backdrop for Hollywood history.