Trebek Open Space

{MARCH 2024 NOTE: Stay safe. Wait until storms have passed before hiking any trails, and before heading out check official websites for updates on trail status, closures, hazards, etc. Expect wet, muddy, and slippery trails, and exercise caution and good judgment. We recommend waiting several days and for a decent timeframe of dry weather before heading out post-rains.}

We’ll take Hidden Hikes for $600. This MRCA-managed 62-acre preserve in Hollywood was donated by Alex Trebek in 1998 and features scenic canyon and city vistas. What is the Trebek Open Space? While most hikers head over to adjacent Runyon Canyon, pay your respects to the legendary Jeopardy host and philanthropist on a 2-mile out-and-back hike in his namesake green space.

There are three trailheads, but we recommend parking at the dirt pullout lot on Nichols Canyon Road; this is the Bantam trailhead. Pass through the gates and under the oak and start your ascent on the dirt track. The trail hugs chaparral-dotted cliffs with million-dollar views (and homes) into Nichols Canyon. The laurel sumac, scrub oak, chamise, and sage that hug the trail are also home to local foraging birds which create a welcoming chorus of chirping. 

After a half-mile, you reach the first junction. Head straight to find one of our favorite picnic spots in Hollywood. Here, you can see Griffith Observatory jutting out to the northeast, framed by the San Gabriels, the downtown LA skyline to the southeast, and of course sprawling Hollywood. You may even see the prominent peaks of Catalina Island, beyond in the Pacific. You can head down into the canyon here if you want to up your workout. This will take you on the Castar Trail to the Wattles Drive trailhead and adds a mile to your trip. Either way, the panoramic views here rival both Runyon and Griffith!

Otherwise, turn around and head back to the junction, this time taking the trail that climbs north. This takes you to your Final Jeopardy and the highest point of the Trebek Open Space, the Astral Drive trailhead. Take in more scenery, this time with northern views into the Hollywood Hills and toward Studio City. Head back the way you came and take the familiar Bantam Trail, descending to your car. This place is so lovely you’re gonna want to make it a daily double and do it again.

To get to the Bantam trailhead at the Trebek Open Space, take the US-101 to the Lankershim Blvd. exit. After exiting, head south on Cahuenga Blvd. and turn right onto Mulholland Dr. Take the famous winding road for 1.5 miles and at the northern entrance for Runyon Canyon, take an immediate left, followed by an immediate right and another immediate right. This is La Cuesta Dr. Stay left onto Del Zuro followed by a left onto Nichols Canyon Rd. After 0.8 mile, you reach the dirt lot (on your left) and the trailhead. Dog-friendly!