L.A. Walks: Hermon Park to views in Debs Park near downtown

Colorful toyon berries are found along a walk into Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Afternoon light makes interesting shadows on the grass along the path ascending to the top of hills inside Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Maria Hernandez walks her dog Linky into Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

The view of downtown Los Angeles from the top of Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Enrique Gaspar, 51, uses binoculars to take in the view from the hilltop in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. Gaspar was walking with his daughter Ana Sofia, 31, and both noted that the park has grown in popularity in the last year.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Deanna Martinez, 19, and Oscar Jaramillo, 20, both of Los Angeles, walk Precious and Spunky along the paved path in Debs Park.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Hikers are reflected in the waters of Peanut Lake, which sits on top of the hills of Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. Downtown Los Angeles can be seen in the background.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Julie and Ken Beals walk their dogs around Peanut Lake in Debs Park.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

The late afternoon scene at Peanut Lake inside Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

The view of the surrounding mountains on the descent from the top of the hill inside Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

The view of downtown Los Angeles from the top of Debs Park.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

A bench sits on a ridge that offers views of Southwest Museum and the surrounding mountains.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

A crescent moon is visible through the leafless branches of a tree along the path through Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)