2005/01/20
an alternative to laurel canyon
For regular drivers in this city, it is especially common to dread trips to and from the San Fernando Valley. One way to avoid Laurel Canyon Boulevard, and its associated congestion, is to take Nichols Canyon Road instead.
To get to Nichols Canyon, go slightly east of Fairfax Avenue on Hollywood Boulevard. You will then see a traffic light that says "Nichols Canyon" on the north side of the street and "Genesee" on the south side. Head uphill on Nichols Canyon.
At one point, you will have to turn right to stay on Nichols Canyon. This is fairly easy to figure out because the street will otherwise reach a dead-end.
You will eventually reach Woodrow Wilson Drive. Turn right on Woodrow Wilson and follow it up to Mulholland Drive. Turn left on Mulholland once you reach it.
At this point, you have several options:
1. Take Mulholland to one of the more common downhill routes (Laurel Canyon, Coldwater Canyon, Beverly Glen and so forth).
2. Take Mulholland to a poorly marked street called "Multiview Drive." Turn right on Multiview and wind down the hill. You will wind up on Cahuenga Boulevard West in Universal City.
3. Take Mulholland to Wrightwood Drive. Turn right on Wrightwood. Follow all the appropriate signs on Wrightwood to stay on it until you reach Vineland Avenue. Turn left on Vineland and it will take you down to Ventura Boulevard.
4. There are other options, depending on where you are going. You can figure them out as you go along.
Note: In light traffic conditions, Nichols Canyon is more of a scenic route than a timesaver. Plan accordingly.
Additionally, there is a way to cut between Nichols Canyon and Laurel Canyon once you are in the hills. This is for you to figure out by yourself.
posted by Angeles Lost @ 1:55 PM 
