Wilacre trailhead parking fee returns in Studio City
Studio City CA – Wilacre Park’s trailhead parking fee is back as of May 20, adding a small cost for hikers, dog walkers and short visits.
Paid parking is back at Wilacre Park’s Studio City trailhead, adding a small but real cost for hikers, dog walkers and anyone making a quick visit.
MRCA says the fee returned because the County of Los Angeles can no longer subsidize maintenance at the park. The agency says the change took effect on May 20, 2026, after County budget reductions ended the support that had kept parking free since 2014.
Under MRCA’s Q&A, parking costs $7 for up to two hours or $14 for up to four hours per vehicle per day. The lot is open daily from sunrise to sunset, payment is handled at an electronic pay station, cash is also accepted, and vehicles that do not pay may receive a citation. The trail and picnic areas remain free.
What it means at Wilacre
Wilacre Park at 3431 Fryman Road sits off Laurel Canyon Boulevard and gives access to the Betty B. Dearing Trail and the Cross Mountain Park trail system. MRCA says the park is a popular destination for hikers and dog walkers, especially on weekends.
For visitors, the immediate takeaway is simple: factor parking into the trip. For some short outings, the new fee may make nearby street parking more tempting when the lot is busy.
MRCA says parking revenue helps support maintenance, operations, patrol, restroom upkeep, trail maintenance and care of the surrounding parkland. The agency also says there is no monthly or annual pass available.
What to watch next
For now, the fee is in place. The next question is whether residents and trail users continue to push back if parking pressure shifts onto adjacent streets.
