Trebek Open Space

ran into a friend who got a $ 175.00 ticket for having his dog not on a leash. i went today in the rain figuring rangers wouldn’t be there. that’s an expensive ticket so i’ll stick to runyon. no trees so stay away when it’s hot.

I’m blown away by the feeling of hiking COMPLETELY alone. There was no one around the entire time I was there so the connection with the space and myself was deeper.
This place is ideal when you just want shut everything out and finding your balance again.

Runyon Canyon’s lesser-​known little brother to the west is deemed «What is Trebek Open Space?» when phrased as a question. The area was ceded to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy in 1992 by Alex Trebek himself, back in the days when he sported the full mustache and trail runners for digging up the 72 acres of now public parkland between Laurel and Runyon canyons. Drive in from the eastern end of Mulholland Dr to take in spectacular views of Hollywood sign and reservoir. Sunsets optional, but highly encouraged.

Up a long windy, steep incline on Nichols Canyon Road… tucked in the suburban hills of an area called Mount Olympus — lays the well hidden trails called, Trebek Open Space.
I was on my bike cycling through streets I don’t normally take on my path and wound up stumbling on a hiking trail that intrigued my adventurous inner younger adolescents.
I had to embark on this journey.
Because you spend 20 minuets partly walking and cycling up Nichols Canyon to get here, once you enter the gates — immediately to your right is a breathtaking view of ‘The Hills’ of Beverly Hills/​Mount Olympus. Views of homes scaling mountain side fronts. Over looking into Palm trees and able to see Hollywood Blvd. and the trail one scales from the bottom to the top.
Although, be very aware of your surroundings while here.
There are many different trails to venture on out here but because this trail is in a very secluded location there aren’t many people who use it.
This trail is predominately used by wildlife.
Be on the lookout for…
* Snakes
* Hawks
* Coyotes
All three I had encountered at some point during my hike. I would advise you come here with a buddy, a dog — just not alone. And I wouldn’t recommend coming here too early or too late in the evening.
I came during midday (by myself) and felt if I can see this much wild life at 9 – 10 in the morning then I’m sure there is a heavier population at dusk and dawn.
It was very thrilling and exciting to be hiking on a new path. To feel like I was in a mini documentary for animal planet or something. But yet very, chilling to be that close with so much threatening wildlife.
But I don’t want that to turn you off from this place.
The trails here seem endless and along the way you can find some cool off path things to get into. Just keep your eyes open!
Oh yeah, if you don’t want to be like me and bike up Nichols Canyon which is a bitch to bike up. You can simply take your car all the way up Nichols Canyon until you reach the dead end and the trails (with free parking) will be on your right hand side.
Beautiful views of LA from up here.
Don’t be scuuurd!

Went here with my dog… Saw two snakes during my hike and scared the crap out of me so I left!

I can’t believe I’m doing this! I know I am going to kick myself later for letting this one leak… but it’s a 1^st thats way to good not to share since Unilocal has given me so many places I would have never know about otherwise. So here it goes…
I headed up to Runyon Canyon with my dog last weekend for a hike, & after not finding parking anywhere near the Fuller Ave entrance I though WTF, there’s got to be another option around here? Right???
I totally lucked out as I headed up the winding Nichols Canyon Road. Just when I started debating turning around & going back down the hill, I noticed a dirt lot that could hold about 4 cars and a gate that had a sign & some poop bags attached. Yipee!!!
Stella and I enjoyed a fantastic hike, with sweeping views and pretty private trails. Although I wished it was a little longer, I realized I could have kept going down further as the trail does connect to lower areas. After coming home and trying to figure out where the heck I was, I realized this open space has a totally cool history!!!
This Sixty two-​acre open space is actually well-​established network of fireroads that provide trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The two main trails are named Castair & Bantam. The parkland was generously donated to the Conservancy by the well known game show host, Alex Trebek. In addition, artist David Hockney lived up in this canyon and actually has a print named Nichols Canyon. I swear I sat and sketched at the exact same spot!!! I loved it here and all is ask is that you please leave me a spot to park when I decide to come for another hike!!! PLEASE!!!