Betty B. Dearing Lollipop

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildlife

This featured hike covers a popular loop through Wilacre Park and Coldwater Canyon Park while approaching from the southeast at Fryman Canyon Park. The typical loop through Coldwater Canyon Park and Wilacre Park can be accessed from the parking area off Fryman Road and is three miles long, which makes for a great, introductory excursion.

This longer option has an out-and-back section along the scenic Gene Autry Ridge and starts from the parking area at the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook off Mulholland Drive.

To access this hike, head east a hundred yards on the Fryman Canyon Access road looking for the Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail to the left. Turn left and head north as you descend on the Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail through Fryman Canyon Park.

After a mile from the start, the trail begins to climb steadily up the Gene Autry Ridge, connecting with Coldwater Canyon Park to the north. After crossing the Barker Fire Road, continue to the left toward Iredell Lane, and turn right onto the road. Stay to the right on Iredell Road as it stretches east to Fryman Road. Turn left on Fryman Road for a short stretch of sidewalk, looking for the parking area and access to the Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail again. If you reach Laurel Canyon Blvd, you've gone too far.

Continue on the Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail as it bends to the west through Wilacre Park, gradually climbing to the high point of the hike at 1,136'. From here, the trail turns to the left and heads south, descending through Coldwater Canyon Park. After less than 0.5 miles, you'll come to the base of operations for the volunteer group, TreePeople, and their Center for Community Forestry. This is a neat spot to check out and explore.

From the TreePeople center, head east on the Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail as it loops back to Iredell Lane, heading through a cul-de-sac and to the point where you originally turned right down the road. From here, continue south and east, up and over the Gene Autry Ridge, heading back through Fryman Canyon Park to the parking area at the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook parking area.