Hikers furious as major change enforced at popular LA trail

A beloved hiking spot nestled in the Hollywood Hills above Studio City is sparking frustration among regular outdoor enthusiasts after the city began strictly enforcing new parking restrictions at Fryman Canyon.

The popular trailhead at Wilacre Park, which offers scenic views of the San Fernando Valley and is a favorite for locals and tourists, now requires payment for parking in the lot.

Drivers must pay $7 for two hours or $14 for longer stays. Those who park outside designated areas or overstay the limit are being ticketed.

“It was a really big shock to all of us in the community,” Stephanie Aguilar told NBC Los Angeles of the new parking fees. “On top of all the other taxes. I mean, how insulting is that?”

The change, spurred by recent budget cuts from LA County that impacted ongoing maintenance and operations, is part of an effort by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) to manage overcrowding, reduce illegal parking on residential streets and improve safety in the area.

However, many hikers say the restrictions are too harsh and are making it difficult to enjoy one of the city’s most accessible nature escapes.

Neighbors have long complained about traffic, noise and cars blocking driveways, which prompted the city to step up enforcement. Signs now clearly mark legal parking zones, and citations are being issued more frequently.

“Laurel Lane. All the side streets. Sunshine Terrace. All the houses in the neighborhood there are all just stacked with cars,” said local Joey Spillers, who complained to NBC about traffic spilling onto neighboring streets due to visitors attempting to dodge the new parking fees.

The trail itself remains open, but the parking crunch is forcing some visitors to arrive very early or choose less crowded alternatives, with a potential parking violation costing $73 for drivers who don’t comply.

“This is church. This is why we come up. To repair our heads, to repair our bodies, to fill our spirits,” Spillers said. “And that just seems like it’s being stepped on a little bit.”

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