A popular, paved bike/hiking trail that runs 38.6 miles from Azusa to Long Beach is the San Gabriel River Trail.
In places, the trail is speckled (at various times) with fall color, including sycamore, alder, oak and – right now – brilliant red poison oak. While poison oak isn’t something you want to touch, it is beautiful to the eye.
Color spotter Steve Shinn scores a First Report on this route. On Saturday, he rode a 7-mile section of the trail, starting from one of the trail’s parking lots, 14 miles from Azusa, off I-210.
The path Steve took traveled up a gentle grade with “lots of ripe, native Hollyleaf Cherries, some deer, many kinds of birds (Steve saw a Kingfisher working the river), lots of Sister butterflies and others.”
To park, you must have an Adventure Pass on your windshield. Take plenty of water along, as there is no drinking water, just fish, in the river.
San Gabriel River Trail (610′ to 0′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Poison oak are peaking.
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2017-10-01 22:52:472017-10-01 22:53:45Out for a Ride? Try San Gabriel Canyon
Liquidambar, West Hollywood (9/30/17) LA Leaf Peeper
Tag Team oughta be singing, “Whoomp, there it is!” whenever we post a shot of the West Hollywood liquidambar, submitted by LA Leaf Peeper.
The tree is a scraggly one. Since LA Leaf Peeper last sent a picture of it, the venerable specimen appears to have lost a few limbs and looks the worse for wear… sorta like some silver screen starlet whose red carpet days are long past.
And yet, the West Hollywood liquidambar has been consistently one of the earliest reported examples of early color in California. That’s because liquidambar are runway ready and often dressed in splashes of auburn, gold and orange.
So, though it’s not “drop-your-jaw, Charlize-Theron gorgeous.” The West Hollywood tree still deserves a few flashbulbs popping. Thanks LA Leaf Peeper.
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2017-09-30 12:29:582017-09-30 15:36:14Whoomp! There It Is!
Liquidambar, Walnut/Diamond Bar (9/25/17) Del Hossain
Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum) is one of those ornamental trees that can’t wait for autumn to arrive.
It often begins exhibiting, bright reds, burgundies, yellows and oranges in flaming profusion in mid-summer.
More than any other tree, it generates reports that autumn is arriving early, just because it begins showing early fall color. Its brilliant color explains why it is one of the most commonly-planted deciduous trees.
The sweet gum is an American tree, though not native to California. It’s found growing naturally in the eastern and southeastern U.S., in Mexico and Central America.
There are 13 cultivars (a type of cultivated plant) of sweet gum (Burgundy, Festival, Gumball, Parasol… even the funny-sounding Goduzam and Morplesdon among them). In California, the Palo Alto is the favorite, appreciated for its flame color and autumn glow.
From Los Angeles County, color spotter Del Hossain was out for an evening walk last night. Inspired by an orange-purple sunset, he was further dazzled by the color within a liquidambar urban forest planted along Pathfinder Rd. that was exhibiting complementary color.
True to its reputation, while native trees are struggling to get going in the Sierra, the exotic liquidambar styraciflua is unashamed to blush early.
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2017-09-26 16:07:342017-09-26 20:33:27Liquidambar - A California Favorite
San Gabriel Mountains, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/23/26) Frank McDonough
White oak leaves, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/23/26) Frank McDonough
The Three Graces, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/23/26) Frank McDonough
Gingko biloba, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/23/26) Frank McDonough
Gingko biloba, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/23/26) Frank McDonough
White oak leaves, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/23/26) Frank McDonough
LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/23/26) Frank McDonough
Gingko biloba, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/23/26) Frank McDonough
Gingko biloba, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/23/26) Frank McDonough
The last autumn leaves in California are now carpeting gardens, as seen at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens in Arcadia.
Frank McDonough reports that fall is fading with class and style, there.
In the distance, winter weather embraces the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains, dusting high elevations with snow.
Alena Nicholas reported photographing a white Christmas on Christmas Day in the San Bernardino Mountains.
That’s a rarity for Southern California, though televised images from Pasadena will provide typical and compelling Chamber of Commerce images of palm trees contrasted against the snow-capped peaks of the San Gabriel range, as the Tournament of Roses and Rose Bowl occur on New Year’s Day.
To all our color spotters, photographers and viewers, Happy New Year!
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2016-12-27 11:11:092016-12-27 11:21:33Heading Toward A New Year as Fall Color Fades
Anita Baldwin amidst fallen Gingko leaves, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (12/16/16) Frank McDonough
On this final day of autumn, we share these artistic images of late fall color seen at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, which scores autumn’s last Peak of the Week.
Frank McDonough’s photographs of the scene remind us of the pointillistic impressionist paintings of Georges Seurat or Paul Signac, as points of bright fall color compose each scene.
This is likely the last post of what has been a beautiful fall. Autumn color will continue to peak this month at California’s lowest elevations, with the best variety of color to be seen in the state’s arboretums and botanic gardens.
Though, in the event we don’t report again this year, “See you next autumn, dude.”
Gingko biloba, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (12/16/16) Frank McDonough
Horse chestnut, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (12/16/16) Frank McDonough
Gingko biloba, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (12/16/16) Frank McDonough
Japanese maple, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (12/16/16) Frank McDonough
Gingko biloba, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (12/16/16) Frank McDonough
Daimyo oak, upper Baldwin Lagoon, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (12/16/16) Frank McDonough
LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2016-12-20 11:58:342016-12-20 11:59:45Pointillistic Impressionism at Autumn's End
Symphony of Oaks, Enchanted Forest of Light (12/13/16) Descanso Gardens
Flower Power, Enchanted Forest of Light (12/13/16) Descanso Gardens
Super Pool, Enchanted Forest of Light (12/13/16) Descanso Gardens
Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge.
That’s because several of the most beloved areas within the 150-acre garden become the “Enchanted Forest of Light” at night, through Jan. 8.
Unlike other festivals of lights that cover trees with twinkly lights, Descanso Gardens bathes its urban forest with intensely colored flood lights.
Rainbow Sycamores, Enchanted Forest of Light (12/13/16) Descanso Gardens
Luminous Lawn, Enchanted Forest of Light (12/13/16) Descanso Gardens
Super Pool, Enchanted Forest of Light (12/13/16) Descanso Gardens
However, this is more than a light show. Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles with a one-mile walk through eight distinct lighting displays.
As visitors walk through the enchanted forest, they trigger light displays and are awed by the beauty of the illuminated forest.
Highlights include “The Pool,” an interactive light sculpture by artist Jen Lewin in which people manipulate colors by walking over lighted pads.
In the Symphony of Oaks, visitors manipulate sounds and lights that fill the Oak Grove.
Descanso’s famous Japanese Garden is the last attraction along the walk before stopping for hot cocoa or a snack.
Flower Power, Enchanted Forest of Light (12/13/16) Descanso Gardens
Because of the show’s popularity, tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance.
White birch, La Cañada Flintridge (12/12/16) Descanso Gardens
Gingko biloba, La Cañada Flintridge (12/12/16) Descanso Gardens
Crepe myrtle, La Cañada Flintridge (12/12/16) Descanso Gardens
During daytime, the gardens provide a continuing show of nature’s color with native and exotic trees at full peak fall color.
Enchanted: Forest of Lights, Descanso Gardens,La Cañada Flintridge – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
Crepe myrtle, Historic Section, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough
Peacock Cafe, LA Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Arcadia (12/13/16) Frank McDonough
Daimyo oak, quercus dentata LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough
A road less traveled, near Tule Pond, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough
Entrance area, LA County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Arcadia (12/13/16) Frank McDonough
Entrance Rotunda, LA County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Arcadia (12/13/16) Frank McDonough
Liquidambar, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough
Gingko biloba, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough
Crescent Garden near Turtle Pond, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough
Paperwhites, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough
Gingko biloba, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough
Liquidambar and red maple, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough
Eastern white oak, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough
Fall color is nearing peak at Southern California’s arboretums and botanic gardens, with some species peaking while others are near peak.
Frank McDonough of the LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden reports the color is “still kicking” in Arcadia, where Eastern white oak, liquidambar, red maple, daimyo oak, American sycamore and crepe myrtle continue to show deep crimson, orange and red.
Gingko biloba are still patchy, though rapidly approaching peak. Their canopies fan-shaped leaves hang heavy from twisted branches with a drape of lime to yellow color.
Frank captured a “winner, winner, chicken dinner” shot, only this one was a slice of peacock pie taken at the Peacock Cafe stairs. His comment?… “Photo ready – just add peacock.”
This week, we retweeted a photograph of fall color seen at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge and plan a followup report on natural and nighttime illuminated color to be seen at these gardens, during the holidays.
LA County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2016-12-13 15:20:392016-12-13 15:47:09LA County Arboretum Puts On Its Holiday Best
Redbud, liquidambar and tupelo, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/9/16) Frank McDonough
Paper whites, Chinese parasol tree, birch and maple, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/9/16) Frank McDonough
American elm, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/9/16) Frank McDonough
Arboretum Fountain, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/9/16) Frank McDonough
Pomegranate, Japanese maple (red), Gingko, LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (11/9/16) Frank McDonough
Peak autumn color has now dropped below 1,500′ in elevation. As a rule of thumb, that means there’s another two to three weeks of peak color to be enjoyed.
California’s lowest elevations, are absent of big, bold forests full or aspen, bigleaf maple, or dogwood.
Instead, finding fall color is tougher going. The state’s best color spotters find it by searching river and stream banks, orchards, vineyards, urban forests and arboretums.
Two of the best arboretums to see gorgeous fall color through the end of the month are the UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley and the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia.
What is special about arboretums is that a variety of exotic and native trees can be seen together, at peak. And, because they are all identified, you know what peaks when.
As seen in Frank McDonough’s photographs from the LA County Arboretum, redbud are nearly past peak (just as they are at 800′ in the Sierra Foothills), though other species, like the American elm shown here, still have a way to go.
There’s little question that, in November, the going get’s tough for color spotters. Though, the best of them keep going outdoors to find it in the most amazing places.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia (482′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Color is appearing all over California, even in Los Angeles.
Mark DeVitre posted this harlequin-toned tree in The Big Orange, only this tree had purple, blue, yellow, red, green, orange… you name it.
Los Angeles has a long way to go until peak, but individual trees, like this one, will peak on their own timetable. L.A. is normally, a November peak. So, we’ll declare Angeltown to be Just Starting.
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2016-10-04 18:47:002016-10-06 17:37:22Color Everywhere, Even in LA
I hesitated posting the top left photo received from Leaf Peeper when it arrived in June.
This is the same tree Leaf Peeper has submitted previously in summer, making it the third year that a Los Angeles tree gets attention for early color.
Now, this just may be that this tree shows red color in its uppermost branches and isn’t really changing color, though we’d need a tree expert to say.
Nevertheless, color is color and with Leaf Peeper’s report, Los Angeles again gets the nod for being the first to roll out the red carpet.
On Sunday, I head to the Eastern Sierra to check out Bishop Creek Canyon, Mammoth Lakes and U.S. 395 through Inyo and Mono Counties, and will report on what’s showing after returning on Thursday.
If you’re in the area, I’ll be talking to businesses about fall color and how to better serve fall color viewers in Bishop on Monday and Mammoth Lakes on Tuesday, sponsored by the local visitors bureaus.
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2016-08-12 16:06:262016-08-24 10:02:44L.A. Has Rolled Out The Red Carpet
