TRAFFIC SHORTCUTS: The Franklin Canyon Fake

Perhaps it's one of the most beautiful detours to avoid traffic when trying to get out of Studio City, but it's definitely not the fastest.

Franklin Canyon is a fantastic park with lots of hiking and a tiny theater and many winding roads. But, when Coldwater Canyon Boulevard and Beverly Glen or Benedict Canyon or other more popular boulevards south are backed up for some reason, then this is a fine alternative that will make you more peaceful about getting to your destination late.

The intersection to get onto Franklin Canyon Drive going southbound is tricky. Just when you're exiting Studio City where the Tree People are located, look to the right. Don't continue on the part of Coldwater where it becomes Mulholland Drive for a bit, and then heads down into Beverly Hills. 

No, instead take a right at Mulholland and go across the street and then head down Franklin Canyon Drive. That will take you into the Santa Monica Mountains  Recreational Area, and you'll be wondering how all of this could be kept such a big secret in the middle of such a big metropolis.

At one point, the road forks at the lake and it doesn't seem to matter which direction you go, but the right fork seems faster, and they both eventually meet up and spill out on Beverly Drive.

Here are other TRAFFIC SHORTCUTS to get out of Studio City:

▪                The Barham By-Pass 

▪                The Outpost Outback 

▪                The Laurel Canyon Loop 

▪                The Benedict Canyon Cheat

▪                The Coldwater Sneak 

▪                The Wrightwood Wind 

But don't tell anyone!