TRAFFIC SHORTCUTS: The Benedict Canyon Cheat

I discovered the best way to get to over the hill in 2004 when I got a job at an office in Beverly Hills. The job only lasted a few months but I've been using this shortcut for six years. It's actually one road that becomes another, but remember the names Benedict Canyon and Canon (it's an enye so it's actually still pronounced like canyon.)

1.     Get on Moorpark. You already know Moorpark. That's how you get through the valley when the 101 just isn't cooperating.

2.     Take Moorpark north/west. Wherever you live in Studio City, this is going to require going towards Sherman Oaks.

3.     Turn left at Tyrone. This is where you meet up with Beverly Glen, but from Moorpark, the side street is called Tyrone. It's right where The Dip sandwich shop is, and sometimes you'll see Borat's Ken Davitian standing outside (he still owns the restaurant despite his glamorous Hollywood life.)

4.     Cross Ventura Boulevard. Once you pass the Fatburger on the right, Tyrone has officially become Beverly Glen.

5.     Take Beverly Glen to Mulholland Drive. You'll be on Beverly Glen for the first bit. Don't worry, we're taking you a side way.

6.     Turn left at Mulholland Drive. Here's where the ride gets fun. At the major Beverly Glen/Mulholland Drive intersection, there is a traffic light. Get in the left turn lane. It may take a few minutes if the light's just changed, but once you turn left, kiss traffic goodbye.

7.     Turn right on Benedict Canyon.  You're only on Mulholland for a couple of blocks but it's already smooth sailing. You'll see a caravan inching through the traffic light in your rearview, but you're on your own now.

8.     Take Benedict Canyon to Sunset.  This is the smoothest part of the drive. Coast by canyon homes at a casual pace. I have never seen an accident or traffic jam here. Worst that ever happened was a garbage truck one morning but even that's faster than rush hour in the usual canyons.

9.     At Sunset, continue on to Canon.  The name of the street changes, but it's still the shortest route. Stay on the right lane because the left turns left on Sunset. If you're going straight, just stay right.

10.  Cross the intersection. Canon is one of three streets that intersects south of Sunset, creating six lanes of traffic and no traffic light. Everyone seems to have a gentleman's agreement about this and goes in turns. It honestly stresses me out a little but we take it slow.

11.  Continue on Canon through Beverly Hills or Century City.  Canon goes right through big and little Santa Monica Blvd. where you could turn right to go through Rodeo. If you're going a bit further, continue straight on Canon.

12.  Criss-cross Wilshire. If you are taking Canon all the way to Pico, there is a slight zig zag on Wilshire. You'll have to turn left at the light, but immediately right to continue on Canon.

13.  End at Pico. Pico Boulevard is the final intersection for Canon. On your left is the 20^th Century Fox studio lot or Avenue of the Stars where you can go to the Century City shopping center. To the right is the Landmark Pavilion.

Here are other TRAFFIC SHORTCUTS to get out of Studio City:

▪                The Barham By-Pass 

▪                The Outpost Outback 

▪                The Franklin Canyon Fake 

▪                The Laurel Canyon Loop 

▪                The Coldwater Sneak 

▪                The Wrightwood Wind 

But don't tell anyone!