Recently I visited the King Gillette Ranch, off of Las Virgenes Road and Mulholland Drive in Calabasas. While parking my car, noticed a group of about 10 pretty large people on a walk. I didn't think too much of it, until a few minutes later, when I came across The Biggest Loser building on the King Gillette property shown below.

Since I've never watched The Biggest Loser, I had no idea it was filmed in our backyard here in the Santa Monica Mountains. An hour later while driving back to Mulholland Drive, I passed a group of The Biggest Loser participants who were walking and jogging. Several of them waved and smiled at me. Apparently they are now in the midst of taping Season 14, which will begin airing in January 2013. I did not see Jillian Michaels, who is coming back to the show this season.

But there's much more in store at King Gillette Ranch and it is well worth going out of your way for! The recently opened Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center features a wealth of information about our Santa Monica Mountains and has an array of interesting and interactive exhibits for all ages. The staff is really nice and eager to help visitors out. Parking is covered and free for two hours, as is admission into the Center.

Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor CenterThe 588 acre King Gillette property is also home to numerous interpretative programs year round. Learn more at lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=670. A short hike up the hill adjacent to the Gillette Mansion and The Biggest Loser set gets you to Inspiration Point, where you will be treated to some fantastic views of the surrounding Las Virgenes mountains. Go check it out and have fun!

View of King Gillette complex from Inspiration Point