Franklin It's About the Beignet

So you’re not jetting off to Europe anytime soon? Lucky for us the more local alternative of experiencing LA is pretty sweet too. And that includes delicious beignets after a stellar hike in Tinseltown. Head to Franklin Canyon’s Upper Reservoir for a 2-mile loop in a fairytale setting.

Park at the large dirt lot next to the Sooky Goldman Nature Center (currently closed), which has a charming amphitheater. Head south on Franklin Canyon Drive (being careful of drivers heading for the park’s center lot) before finding a singletrack dirt trail on the left side of the road, descending past a picnic area and some redwoods. Keep east, passing under palm trees, through some heavy brush and over some rocks in a dry stream bed before connecting with the Chernoff Trail, heading south. The path winds under sycamores, pines, and oaks and flanks the peaceful reservoir.

There are plenty of photo opportunities as well as picnic benches along the trail, nice for a lunch by the water, along with some extra company from resident ducks, coots, and other waterfowl. After passing over a footbridge, you’ll reach the southern end of the reservoir—another nice place to picnic. Cross the road here and continue along the dirt path. At about the 1-mile mark, the trail turns right and passes by another parking area. Here you need to continue north along Franklin Canyon Drive for a few hundred feet before finding a concrete trail (that eventually becomes dirt) on the left, ascending the canyon walls.

This part of the park is often overlooked, as most visitors come for the water. But it’s a gem. Meander along the canyon walls amid chaparral classics, including a dense collection of rosemary bushes. Scan the trailside for the gorgeous purple blooms of bigleaf periwinkle and the unique hanging red flowers of fuchsia gooseberries. The vistas of this secluded canyon are great throughout this portion of the hike, and you can even spot the small Turtle Pond below, in addition to the namesake reservoir. The trail eventually leads back to Franklin Canyon Drive, where you started.

BONUS BEIGNETS: Head to nearby Studio City and pick up a tasty treat at Beignet Box. Owner/popstar Christina Milian’s sweet spot serves up regular and bite-sized beignets (we like the crispy, easy-to-eat bite-sized ones—but be warned, they may be too easy to eat). They’ve also got coffee and tea to wash it all down with. Beignets are good any time of the day, from “AM to PM.”

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik, @mattitudehikes