Driving by on a seemingly never-ending tar road past posh urban residences, it would be surprising if your suspicions weren’t raised on the reliability of your GPS system. To add a pinch of additional doubt, wooden signboards in blaring red spell out a supposed dead end beyond.

Roughing it through the uninviting entrance, one would find themselves at the elusive gates of Franklin Canyon Park. Initially intended as a reservoir servicing the Los Angeles district, the basin has since been converted into a nature reserve as a much needed alcove of tranquility beyond the glittering golden city. Your trek through the park would likely begin at the Sooky Goldman Nature Centre. Pickup trail guides and important notices from the cozy educational centre and activity space before setting off. Ranging across a spectrum of difficulties, a total of five miles of hiking trails weave across the hillside.

Press through towering oak woodlands that form picturesque frames bordering views of the three-acre wide Franklin Canyon Lake. Stroll beneath the shade of black walnut trees by the bottom of the canyon, skipping across the sun dappled grounds. Slopes of dry scrub and tufts of shrub make up the chaparral plains leading up to outlooks and promontories, jutting lips of rock extending from the gentle hillsides. From here, you can trace the winding rivers of sand past the dusty green and the urban complexes of Western LA beyond. Heading back down, offload your picnic basket by the Heavenly Pond that often features a lively ensemble of trilling bird song and echoing calls of migratory birds travelling along the Pacific Flyway that have stopped by the park. The Franklin Canyon Park is a great way to disconnect and unwind, soaking in the clean forest air away from the clogged crowds of Los Angeles.