Ernest E. Debs Regional Park
The fourth largest park in Los Angeles and host to the Audubon Center, Debs Park is easily accessible via the Arroyo Seco Parkway in Highland Park or the east-side via El Sereno.
Part wildlife refuge, part recreational facility, the park serves much of the Northeast Los Angeles community, providing hiking trails, basketball courts, and picnic areas. Hike to the top of Debs Park to be rewarded with beautiful vistas of Highland Park, Downtown Los Angeles, and East Los Angeles while enjoying a picnic around the pond.
Hikes range from easy to slightly difficult, with grades sometimes steeper than 50% even though the elevation ranges between 425' to 884'. A variety of trails caters to the hiking afficiando, as well as the casual stroller and bicyclists. Pathways wind through various protected ecosystems providing a range of flora and fauna in the 282 acre park.
Enter the park from the west-side via the Arroyo Seco Parkway, in order to visit the Audubon Center. The center hosts events and workshops including birdwatching and nature walks for children and families. Carriers and heavy duty strollers can be checked out from the center as well as binoculars and nature guides. Facilities can be rented for parties and events, as well as packages for birthday parties.
DIRECTIONS TO START
BIKE: Accessible via the Arroyo Seco Bike Path with entrances at Griffin Avenue and Via Marisol.
TRANSIT: From the Metro Gold Line, disembark at Southwest Museum Station, walk south on Woodside to Figueroa, left on Figueroa, right on Griffin. By bus, catch the 81 bus, disembark at Figueroa and Avenue 49, walk east on Avenue 49, right on Griffin Avenue.
CAR: For Main Park Entry: Take the Pasadena Freeway (CA-110), east on Via Marisol exit, right on Monterey Road. Parking lot located through the entry on Monterey Road.
For Audubon Center: Take the Pasadena Freeway (CA-110), south on Avenue 52 exit, continue on Griffin Avenue. Parking lot located through the entry on Griffin Avenue.
SIGHTSEEING
Audubon Center This contemporary "green building" is an environmental education and conservation center providing programs for children and families to gain an appreciation for the ecosystem of the Arroyo Seco
NOTE: Dogs are not allowed on the trails near the Audubon Center. Call Audubon Center for recommendations on different hikes in park.
Open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00am-5:00pm
Community programs are free.
4700 North Griffin Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 221-2255
www.ca.audubon.org/debs_park.php
Debs Pond
Located at the top of the hill, this pond provides views of Los Angeles along with a place to cool down after a hike. Don't forget to look for the frogs and fish! Take the Lake View Trail or Summit Ridge Trail to reach the pond.
Picnic Areas The barbecue pits at Debs Park are available on a first come, first served basis. They can be found at the center of the Rose Hill Loop Trail or near the Woodpecker Loop Trail.
Native American Terraced Garden
This garden has plants used by the Tongva and Cahuilla tribes before the arrival of Spanish settlers. A "ground compass" is located on the terrace, near the stairway marking Debs Park as the southern entrance to the Arroyo Seco.
Gazebo
This checkpoint gives excellent views of the city. It is accessible from the Valley View Trail and the Summit Ridge Trail.
NEARBY PARKS
Rose Hill Park This smaller park houses the area's sports fields and community gardens, and is located near the park entrance on Mercury Ave and Boundary Ave. To make a reservation, call (323) 255-0450.
DINING
Taco Fiesta
Because this stand has limited seating, eat your tacos outdoors at the Carlin G. Smith Recreation Center or the Montecito Heights Recreation Center.
4501 Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 223-5478"?
Aki Sushi and Roll
This traditional Japanese spot serves sushi, noodles, teriyaki and tempura.
5916 Monterey Road
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 256-0067
Monterey Doughnuts
This neighborhood bakery has a wide variety of donuts, croissants, and muffins.
5930 Monterey Road
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 254-2728