Urban Oasis Loop

Explore Ernest E. Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles

02.26.2026
A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

Just off the 110, Ernest E. Debs Regional Park in L.A.’s Montecito Hills is an oasis for birds—and for Angelenos craving a quick nature escape.

Home to the city’s Audubon Center, this 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here.

A woman hikes a wide dirt trail with green hills beside her and mountains in the background as well as city views of Los Angeles. This is at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles

Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing. Fair warning: trails are unmarked, so have your phone or a map handy—or, ahem, wing it. Start at the Audubon Center entrance. Head down the entrance road (from Griffin Avenue or the Audubon parking area) to a green gate at the first intersection. Take the Scrub Jay Trail on your right and continue up the dirt road for about a half-mile to a fork marked by a couple of benches—an ideal perch for sweeping views of the downtown L.A. skyline.

Turn left onto the Walnut Forest Trail and enjoy the rain-fresh greenery and the towering San Gabriel Mountains rising to the north. When the trail meets a paved road, turn right. Stay on the fire road (keep left at the next junction), or, if you’re in the mood to wander and birdwatch, take the footpath past the gazebo. It parallels the road, offering extra hillside views and a bit more solitude—just be sure to rejoin the main road in about a quarter-mile.

The road loops into a circle. Stay right to reach Peanut Lake, a charming manmade pond and a perfect place to relax on a bench while turtles bask in the sun.

To return, rejoin the trail and turn left onto the City View Trail. This gradual climb delivers one final downtown vista before reconnecting with the Scrub Jay Trail and leading back to where you began.

Tip: Hoping to spot an American kestrel or a yellow-rumped warbler? The Audubon Center offers free rentals of binoculars, backpacks, and maps if you want to turn your walk into a birdwatching adventure.

The Audubon Center entrance is located at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. Map. Park at the Audubon Center or along Griffin Avenue. The Audubon Center is open Thursday through Sunday, 8am to 4pm. If the center is closed, pedestrians can still enter the park via the path to the right of the entrance gate.

Story and photos by Yvonne Pasquini, @yvonne_pasquini

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

    View
  2. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

  4. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

    View

  2. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  3. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

    View

  4. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View