Frederick's of Hollywood Blog

Every weekend, scores of sun-loving, healthy-minded Angelenos flock to the beautiful trails of the Santa Monica Mountains that divide the city from the San Fernando Valley. From Temescal Canyon in the Pacific Palisades, to dog-friendly Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills to Giffith Park in the East, there are just so many beautiful paths to explore.

One local favorite is Fryman Canyon, which you’ll find just off busy Laurel Canyon Boulevard in lovely Studio City. But while you’ll find loads of people trudging the clearly marked, well-trodden main loop, there’s a secluded path that only a few L.A. insiders seem to know about. It’s called the Rainforest Trail.

The entrance of trail is well-hidden–first you must take a 15-minute walk up residential streets to a quiet cul-de-sac called Iredell Lane. Then just past an extremely well-guarded estate (and yes, this is George Clooney’s home and no you can’t see it or him from the street–boo), you turn left and walk about 2o feet until you see the above sign.

The trail takes you up into the hills, where you can take in breathtaking vistas of the Valley and the surrounding mountains. Then it winds back downhill, and you discover why it’s known as the “Rainforest Trail.”

You’ll find yourself deep in the woods, shaded by giant trees, surrounded by lush foliage and crossing peaceful streams. And you may only pass maybe a handful of other in-the-know hikers.

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You’ll know your at the deepest part of the rainforest when you pass the abandoned jeep…it’s quite the landmark!

The path then takes you all the way back up all the way to legendary Mulholland Drive, just across the road from the Laurel Canyon Off-Leash Dog Park. It’s a wonderful way to spend a weekend morning and explore one of the hidden parts of the city.

Ready to go hiking? Learn more about Fryman Canyon and the Rainforest Trail here: http://laist.com/2006/11/13/the_rainforest_trail_part_i.php