Wilacre Park
Take a moment, in an area bustling with hikers, runners and dog walkers, to rest amid California black walnut trees, lemonade sumac and flowering brittlebush often bursting with bright yellow daisy-like blooms.
This bench is a short uphill walk from the Betty B. Dearing Trail, a popular trail that connects Wilacre Park to Fryman Canyon and Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook off Mulholland Drive. Dearing and Pohl were Studio City residents who fought for half a century to protect the surrounding mountains from development.
The view from the bench turns your attention inland toward the San Fernando Valley and its surrounding foothills and mountains. In winter and early spring, you might witness the distant San Gabriel Mountains capped with snow.
Bench coordinates - 34°07'58.6"N 118°24'13.2"W
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The bench is an easy half-mile walk from the parking area of Coldwater Canyon Park and the headquarters of TreePeople.
For a more strenuous hike, begin at the Betty B. Dearing trailhead off Fryman Road and follow the fire road on a steady incline 1.1 miles to the turnoff for the bench. From here, you can retrace your steps back to the fire road or follow the U-Vanu trail, a single-track trail that loops back to the start of the Dearing trail.
There is little shade; bring sunscreen, hats and plenty of water.
This is an urban trail. Expect hikers, runners and dog walkers. Mountain bikes are not permitted.
Highlights include valley and mountain views, seasonal wildflowers, groves of coast live oaks and other native trees.
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Wilacre Park, at Fryman Road and Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Studio City; free parking in a large lot open dawn until dusk; public bathrooms near trailhead. Restricted street parking. 34°07'59.5"N 118°23'30.7"W
Coldwater Canyon Park, 12601 Mulholland Dr, Beverly Hills; free parking in a small lot open dawn to dusk; public bathrooms and water are available at TreePeople headquarters.
The MTA 218 bus line (Cedars Sinai Medical Center-Studio City) stops near the Wilacre parking lot entrance at Fryman Road and Laurel Canyon Boulevard. For updates and schedules, visit metro.net.
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From Wilacre Park parking lot:
Head south to the start of the Betty B. Dearing trail. You’ll gradually ascend, first on a paved road, then on a wide dirt fire road that gives way to tree-studded views of valley neighborhoods.
At about 1.1 miles, look for a trail marker with a bench icon on the left. Follow the narrow trail a short distance to a clearing with the bench.
From here, you can continue on the narrow U-Vanu trail back to the parking lot, or retrace your steps back to the Dearing Trail and follow it another 2 miles past TreePeople to the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook.
From Coldwater Canyon Park
Head east out of the parking lot to wooden steps leading down to the Betty B. Dearing trail.
Turn left and follow the wide dirt path about 0.5 mile to a trail marker with a bench icon, then up the narrow path to a clearing with the bench.
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Wilacre Park:
Exit at Laurel Canyon Boulevard from the 101 Freeway. Head south about 1.5 miles to Fryman Road. Turn right into the Wilacre Park parking lot.
Coldwater Canyon Park:
From the I-405, exit at Skirball Center/Mulholland Drive and follow Mulholland Drive east about 5 miles to signs for TreePeople and Coldwater Canyon Park. Parking lot is on the left.
From the 101 Freeway, exit at Coldwater Canyon Avenue and head south for about 2 miles to its intersection with Mulholland Drive. Follow signs for TreePeople and Coldwater Canyon Park.
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