Upper Franklin Canyon Loop

Starting from the parking lot for the Snooky Goldman Nature Center, you'll hike over a wooden bridge, meet the trail, and follow it up to the nature center. From here, cross the courtyard and you'll reach the Blinderman Trail. Follow the Blinderman Trail as it bends to the southwest. You'll quickly reach a trail juncture, at which point you'll want to stay to the right. The trail will then continue to the south before reaching another trail juncture, this time with the Franklin Canyon Vista Point Connector. Turn left to link up with the Franklin Canyon Vista Point Connector.The route will take you up a steep ascent to a series of three vista points, each of which offers a different view of Franklin Canyon and Franklin Lake. Once you reach the third vista point at the high point of the hike, turn right to follow the trail southward down the steep hillside. You'll quickly reconnect with the Blinderman Trail at the bottom of the hill. Link up with the Blinderman Trail and turn right (south), pass Wild Pond, and enter a eucalyptus grove before turning to the west. You'll quickly reach the end of the trail as it hits Franklin Canyon Drive. From here, follow Franklin Canyon Drive to the north, alongside Franklin Lake, and it'll take you to the Snooky Goldman Nature Center parking lot to complete the loop.Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.