12 Best Spots for Viewing Fall Color at the Arboretum

 I've compiled a map of the twelve best spots to view and take pictures of Fall color here at the L.A. County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Click here for map. 

Ginkgo biloba 'Fairmont' in full fall color. Located in the western side of the herb garden. 

It's A Postcard Perfect Fall Leaf Color Season

This has been an excelent fall leaf color season. Just the right combination of rain, cold, and sunlight has brought out the deep red, yellow, gold, and purple hues that these trees are capable of to. 

Here's a map of some of the best, and below is a list and pics if you somehow miss this beautiful display. 

Starting out near the entrance, head into the Celebration Garden (nee Sunset Demonstration Garden) and check out the fall color. 

Celebration Garden

Left: Wisteria Middle: Sycamore (Platanus sp.)

Platanus leaves floating on the fountain in the courtyard garden. 

Lagerstroemia subcostatas beautiful cinnamon bark ads a nice contrast to it's own fallen leaves. Located in the meditation garden. 

A bold Ginkgo biloba located in the Celebration Garden

Celebration Garden Ginkgo

Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe myrtle)

 Located on the northwest tip of the Bauer Lawn

Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe myrtle)

Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe myrtle)

 Located on the southern edge of the Bauer Lawn.

Grapevine framing blue tree lantern. 

 Around the Meadowbrook Section

Grapevines above the Tule Pond. 

A path winding through the middle of the Meadowbrook Section. 

A Japanese maple in full fall leaf in the middle of the Meadowbrook Section. 

 Growing out of mulch in many different locations

A Deer Mushroom

On the dirt path circling the Chinese-North American Collection

Sugar maple. 

In the Meadowbrook Section just south of the Kallam Garden

Liquidambar 'Palo Alto', 'Carnival', and 'Burgundy'. 

Liquidambar 'Palo Alto', 'Carnival', and 'Burgundy'.

Ginkgo trees on the stream that passes through the Meadowbrook Section. 

Cotoneaster with red leaves and berries. 

View looking north from a hidden bench. 

Looking north from Meyberg Falls. 

 Herb Garden and Meyberg Falls

Ginkgo in the Herb Garden

Meyberg Falls. 

Looking out from inside a small Ginkgo grove near the Herb Garden. 

 Other Fall Color Sites

Crepe myrtle in the Water Conservation Garden

View from Tallac Knoll

Persimmon Tree located on the southern edge of the Arboretum. 

Fall Leaf Change Preview

The best time to come here for Fall leaf color can occur anywhere between early November through mid-December. The several weeks before and after this date range, although iffy, may be good as well.
It's not a bad idea to call either myself at Plant Information, (626) 821-3236, or the Arboretum general number, (626) 821-3222, at least a week before you come to get in idea how the Fall color change is proceeding.
Here's a nationwide animation of the fall color change courtesy of recreation.gov:

Here's some Fall color shots from years past: