Barbara and I hiked the "east" trail off the Nancy Pohl Overlook in Fryman Canyon Park last September (#250), and today we came back to take advantage of this pretty morning for a hike along the "west" Dearing Mountain Trail. Both initiate from the Nancy Pohl Overlook trailhead on the north side of Mulholland about a quarter mile west of Laurel Canyon. Today's hike followed the Dearing Mountain Trail, hooking off to the left about 20–30 steps in from the start of the trailhead. Can't miss it. A quick nod to the namesakes of the overlook and trails: activists Nancy Pohl (1913–2001) and Betty B. Dearing (1917–1977), Studio City preservationists who protected Fryman Canyon from development. The Dearing Mountain Trail heads deep into Fryman Canyon. Following the AllTrails map, we hiked a 1.4 mile portion, but it looks like you could follow the same trail all the way down to the big Fryman trail in Wilacre Park. I love forest settings, so today's hike was tons of fun: narrow dirt trails, the scent of eucalyptus, a running brook, small bridge, hand swing, rain forest, great views, and just enough elevation and descent to keep the heart pumping. Frankly, this hike is about the same length as a Fryman go-around but much prettier and far more interesting. Lots of runners, hikers, and deliriously happy dogs on the trail this morning so go early to score a space in the small parking lot. Love, love, loved this adventurous hike in the heart of Studio City.