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:

Fall Color Still Peaking

Here at the Arboretum we have a fall color season. It's not a punctuated, Rose Parade season like the east coast or the Sierras gets where all the trees that turn color do so in a blazing display of overwhelming reds, oranges, yellows and hot pinks (the color of dogwoods when they turn), instead ours is a lazy, slow moving parade put together by the local chamber of commerce where one float after another slowly rolls by, separated by marching bands blooming trees and aloes. 

Crepe myrtle tree with red fall foliage. 

Yellow fall foliage on these Crepe myrtles. 

Wisteria vine turning color as it drapes over bamboo plants. 

California native grapevine; a brilliant red performer in the fall as it drapes over 60 foot tall palms. 

Various fall color trees in the Meadowbrook section. 

Ginkgo biloba 'Canopy'

Carpet of spent leaves under Ginkgo biloba 'Canopy'

Ginkgo biloba 'Saratoga' in the herb garden. 

Ginkgo biloba 'Cleveland'

Chinaberry tree in the foreground, Ginkgo biloba 'Cleveland' in the background.

Formosan Sweet Gum, Liquidambar taiwanensis