Franklin Canyon Park, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

F khademi 2 months ago

This is such a beautiful and peaceful place to hike, but the constant rule changes make no sense. They keep changing the hours and closing the gate for no apparent reason. I drove all the way here on a Sunday in the middle of July, only to find the entrance closed until 7:00 a.m. It’s summer—temperatures can reach 100°F, so many of us want to start hiking early before the heat becomes dangerous. Instead, dozens of cars are lined up behind the gate waiting. Who thought this was a good idea? Is this just another unnecessary California rule?

SpaceStriker 2 months ago

And this randomly while scratching through Google Maps. Fantastic area. It was so gorgeous. We only really stage around the lake area. We didn't go in any hikes though. I do want to in the future and even then it was really nice sitting around the lake. There were a bunch of ducks and a couple turtles and was a fun, nice relaxing place to go and chill

Kevin Gardner 5 months ago

As of 3/2026, the north entrance is FINALLY open again! I've been hiking the trails for almost 10 yrs. Far fewer people than other trails for being so centrally located. Very quiet and serene. There ARE cameras at several of the stop signs. It only took me being fined once to learn to stop and count to three. Good for safety and a reminder to slow down and enjoy the setting.

Mamie Zembal Edited 6 months ago

Beautiful place to escape to nature in the city! Birds, lake, trails and peace! Enjoyed the lush greenery. Was cool to see where some scenes from long ago on Andy Griffith that were filmed here Restrooms at opposite ends of the park.

never Edited 6 months ago

Beautiful park, but visitors should be aware of a stop sign camera enforcement setup that feels more like a revenue trap than a safety measure. On November 22, 2025, both my friend and I — driving separately — received $100 stop sign citations at the exact same location and time window inside Franklin Canyon Park. We later discovered at least one other driver online who was cited at the same spot. The issue is not about ignoring traffic laws. The concern is the design and placement of the stop sign itself. It is not located at a traditional intersection, but along a winding park road where drivers have no reasonable expectation of encountering a stop-controlled crossing. There is no “STOP AHEAD” warning, no pavement marking, and the sign is positioned near trees, making it easy to miss until you are already past it. This citation is issued under an administrative ordinance (not a California Vehicle Code violation), does not affect driving records, and is treated similarly to a parking fine — which raises questions about whether the primary purpose is safety or revenue. If multiple normal drivers are being cited at the exact same location under ordinary driving conditions, it ma