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Many Angelenos assume that Coldwater Canyon Park is just part of Fryman Canyon - which is somewhat true (the 45-acres that comprise Coldwater Canyon Park is part of a 1,000-acre "cross-mountain" park that includes Wilacre, Fryman, and Franklin Canyon Parks) - but whereas Fryman's up-and-over the canyon hike is a well-traveled treadmill/stroller route for superfit soccer moms and gymgoers - a southern turn over to the Coldwater Canyon side leads to a markedly different neighbor. Coldwater is maintained by Tree People, who have made the park their home in exchange for their tenancy since 1977:
With more than 8,000 members, thousands of volunteers and 40 full-time and part-time staff, TreePeople is one of the largest independent environmental organizations in California. We are a private nonprofit, 501(c)3 that’s financially supported by the public and private sector, including individual donors, foundations, government, businesses, grants and memberships.TreePeople’s mission is to inspire the people of Los Angeles to take personal responsibility for the urban forest -- educating, training and supporting them as they plant and care for trees and improve the neighborhoods in which they live, learn, work and play.
I've brought regular Fryman hikers over to the Coldwater side and am always amazed when they tell me, "I've never been to this part of the park before!" Conversely, I started at the Coldwater side with a neighborhood pal, so when I finally did hike Fryman, it was too much of a main thoroughfare for a hiker/birdwater/nature lover like me. Coldwater, with its leafier, cooler, shadier, and even on a weekend, deserted spots, is enough to sit under a coast live oak or a native caliornia black walnut tree; with places to stop, sit, and read the bench dedications; learn about the area's biology, ecology, and geology; have a quiet picnic; watch birds, including owls at dusk ... or just meander down one of the leafy trails. During the week, the park is alive with local schoolchildren on one of the school eco-tours. Tree People is expanding their Center for Community Forestry, but the parking lot and trails are open. Aside from hiking, The S. Mark Taper Ampitheatre is the summer home to the Actors Conservatory Ensemble (ACE).
Overall Workout: You set the pace, from leisurely leafy stroll to heavy-duty hike. Full-moon hikes must be reserved in advance and have three levels to choose from.
Hobby-Developing Potential: High - and it's free!
Next-Day Pain: None, unless you decide that you are suddenly an experienced hiker. Be sure to take the usual precautions(poison plants, rattlesnakes, mountain lions) that you would while hiking in any of the Santa Monica Mountain parks.
Parking: Free at Tree People. If heading to Coldwater through Fryman Canyon, there is a pay lot at Fryman and Laurel Canyon.
Bonuses: Full-Moon Hikes, Nature Walks, and Eco-Tours for you and/or your schoolkids. You can also become a TreePeople volunteer, or dedicate a tree (this makes my shopping much easier and I know my relatives can't regift them!)
Coldwater Canyon Park/Tree People:
12601 Mulholland Drive (at Coldwater)
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Tree People
info@treepeople.org
818.753.4600
Click here for detailed directions.
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