L.A. Confidential

Fall Colors at the LA County Arboretum

For Angelenos on a quest for fall foliage this November, the best advice might sound borrowed from the vernacular of an Eastern spirituality guru: Look inward, not outward. In this case, just off the 210 Freeway in Arcadia. LA County Arboretum and Botanical Garden is right under our nose, and fills our eyes with autumn hues. Make for the Meadowbrook section of this sprawling 127-acre nature compound to hike into a heady mix of fall color, flowering exotics, and mixed woodlands. The yin-yang-shaped Viewing Platform serves as a good starting point. Its deck is surrounded by red maples, liquidambars, and a tupelo tree, all morphing into fiery shades of red and orange. A small bridge connects to the Grace V. Kallam Perennial Garden. Pet the insanely furry leaves of lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina), a silvery mint-colored herb along the path, as you enter this perfumed Eden of butterflies and blooming perennials arranged in color-themed beds and shaded by Chinese fringe and eastern redbud trees. The yellow-flowered "sweet breath of heaven" gives off a strong citrus scent. From here, heed the call of rushing water—crossing a green lawn where peacocks often roam. Behold the Meyberg Waterfall. A staircase beside the cascade climbs up through coast live oaks, sword fern, and a sonic massage of falling water, to the Tallac Knoll region of the park. Dig the killer vista at the top: a sea of many-hued trees stretching all the way to the majestic San Gabriel Mountains. Continue along Plumeria Trail into a jungle of exotic trees and over 75 flower-bearing plumeria plants. There's no path through the adjacent Engelmann Oak Grove, but it's worth circling to glimpse these rare native oaks and marvel at the interspersed silk floss trees, some blossoming pink against blue sky in the canopy above.

TIP: Trees will likely peak between late November and early December. Contact the Arboretum for info on fall foliage tours.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View