Don't Overlook This Overlook!

Hike Fryman Canyon in Hollywood for Beautiful Views of the San Fernando Valley

01.06.2021
Woman at Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook in Hollywood, taking in the views of San Fernando Valley

If the new year still feels a bit topsy-turvy to you, embrace a hike with ups and downs (quite literally) that provides some inspiring perspective too. Head to the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook in Hollywood and explore a less-traveled trail through Fryman Canyon that covers just over 1.5 miles, just under 400 feet of elevation gain, and just about the best views of the San Fernando Valley.

Nancy Hoover Pohl was a local environmentalist who fought to preserve Fryman Canyon and surrounding parkland—so you can thank her for this vista-filled adventure. Park at the lot (or in adjacent street parking) and immediately get panoramic valley views among the benches and interpretive signs. Most visitors are satisfied with this overlook, but take the dirt trail to start your hike to a different vantage, starting with a descent to a junction where you’ll take a sharp left to keep going down into the canyon via a narrow trail with quick switchbacks amid a peaceful forest. At the low point you’ll cross a stream and then begin to make up the lost elevation. Look for the colorful car ruin that borders the track.

After a surprise climb, the trail heads north and plateaus, reaching your next junction. To the left, the trail continues into the canyon for multiple miles. Take the right path but stop at the bench where you’ll also find hanging chimes. The valley view from here is lovely.

Woman sitting at bench in Fryman Canyon overlooking the San Fernando Valley view

The trail descends again and eventually reaches a neighborhood, where the path becomes wider and is flanked by bamboo and pines. The flat segment doesn’t last long, as it turns south and ascends quickly. The vistas remain throughout and are great into the canyon as well. At just past the 1.5-mile mark, you reach the overlook and lot. Take another look at this truly unique and expansive perspective of the SFV before heading home. Thanks, Nancy!

To get to the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook lot and trailhead, take the US-101 to Laurel Canyon Blvd. and exit south. Take Laurel Canyon Blvd. for 3 miles and take a right onto Mulholland Dr. After 0.7 mile, find the overlook, trailhead, and lot on your right (or find street parking nearby). Dog-friendly!

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