Studio City hikers are discovering a new obstacle before they even hit the Fryman Canyon trail: the parking meter. The once-free lower lot at Wilacre Park is now pay-to-park after the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority reinstated fees at the trailhead on May 20, 2026. The lot now costs $7 for up to two hours or $14 for up to four hours, and regulars say that shift has emptied the lot and pushed a crush of cars into nearby residential streets.
Neighbors say lot emptied; streets filled
As reported by NBC Los Angeles, hikers and residents told reporters that the lower lot has sat mostly empty since the fees kicked in, while drivers unwilling to pay are filling up Laurel Lane, Sunshine Terrace and other side streets instead. “It was a really big shock to all of us in the community,” hiker Stephanie Aguilar told NBC Los Angeles. Nearby resident Joel Weinberg added, “Everybody’s got to line and actually print out a card.” Several neighbors told the station they have already seen parking enforcement officers writing tickets in the area.
MRCA says fees fund upkeep after county cuts
According to the MRCA, Los Angeles County had subsidized maintenance at Wilacre Park since 2014, but recent county budget reductions cut off that support. The agency says the fee structure, set at $7 for up to two hours and $14 for up to four hours with a four-hour daily maximum, took effect on May 20, 2026 and is intended to keep maintenance, patrols, restrooms and trail upkeep funded. Payment is handled at an electronic pay station, and the MRCA notes that there is no monthly or annual pass option for this lot.
Tickets and penalties
The MRCA's park ordinance spells out what happens if drivers skip the pay station. “Violation of any parking sign ... shall be subject to an administrative or civil penalty of not more than seventy three dollars ($73),” reads the MRCA Park Ordinance. That fine applies to unpaid parking at MRCA-managed lots, and the ordinance also lays out an administrative review and hearing process for anyone contesting a citation. Residents say the combination of new fees and stepped-up ticketing has ramped up tensions between hikers and neighbors.
Where to hike instead
For those who would rather save the cash for post-hike snacks, nearby Franklin Canyon Park still offers free parking and a network of trails within a short drive of Fryman Canyon, according to Curious LA. Hikers can also try arriving earlier, carpooling or using transit to ease the crunch on neighborhood streets. Keep in mind that gates at many local parks close at sunset, so any longer treks need to be timed carefully.
How to stay updated
Neighboring homeowner associations and the Studio City Neighborhood Council have flagged the new fees and urged city and county officials to look at alternate funding sources or tighten enforcement of existing residential parking restrictions. The council's notice also linked to MRCA governing-board materials from when the authority discussed the item in early June. For now, hikers should expect the paid lot to be enforced during daylight hours and plan their Fryman outings with the new parking reality in mind.
