Top 3 Spaces to Explore in Hoyt Arboretum This Winter

When the winter mist settles over Washington Park, Hoyt Arboretum transforms into a quiet, emerald sanctuary. The “Museum of Living Trees” is full of life—you just have to know where to look. Whether you’re looking for a brisk hike or a quiet place to find some winter color, here are the top three things to do on your next visit.

The biggest winter wows are found in Hoyt Arboretum’s Winter Garden, a curated space designed to prove that the cold months are anything but drab. Located where the Beech and Wildwood Trails intersect, it is an easy stroll from the Visitor Center; simply follow the Beech Trail and you’ll find yourself surrounded by winter spectacles in no time. 

Notable Species to Look For: The garden is a mix of vibrant textures, intoxicating scents, and surprising colors.

• “Showa-No-Sakae” Camellia: These hardy shrubs offer a classic splash of color with both pink and white blooming varieties.
• Pink Dawn Viburnum: This is perhaps the “perfumery” of the garden. Its delicate pink and white petals release a wonderful scent—a sophisticated mix of jasmine, honey, and berries.
• Mahonia: Look for these evergreen shrubs topped with bright, architectural yellow spikes of flowers.
• Witch-hazel: A winter favorite! Blooming in December and January, these extremely unique flowers look like tiny yellow and red fireworks. Watch closely—their petals actually unfurl when it’s warm and roll back up as temperatures drop.
• Spectacular Bark: Even the trees without leaves put on a show. The “Winter Flame” Coralbark Maple features magnificent orange-red bark, while the Himalayan Birch stands out with its smooth, ghostly white trunk. Don’t forget the “Golden” Lodgepole Pine, which sports buttery yellow needles that seem to capture the winter light.

Explore with a Digital Guide

To make the most of your visit, Hoyt Arboretum offers a Winter Garden Self-Guided Tour. This online guide is a fantastic resource that helps you identify 24 different species in real-time. It provides detailed descriptions and images, so you can match the “fireworks” or fragrant blooms you see with their scientific stories. Since cell reception can be spotty in the trees, we recommend downloading the guide at the Visitor Center before you start your walk!

You don’t have to drive all the way down to California to stand in the shadow of giants! Hoyt Arboretum’s Redwood collection is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Washington Park, and winter is arguably the most atmospheric time to visit. If you’re looking for the best way to see the big trees, follow the “1-hour loop” indicated on the Hoyt Arboretum trail map. This route is just under a mile long and connects the Redwood and Spruce Trails with a small section of the Wildwood Trail. It’s the perfect distance for a crisp winter stroll.

• Frosty Views: If you arrive on a particularly chilly morning, keep an eye out as you walk—you might catch a stunning view of the hillside above the Bamboo Garden blanketed in silver frost.
• The Greenest Greens: This is the absolute best time of year to enjoy the bright green beauty of lichens and moss in Hoyt Arboretum. They are at their most lush and hydrated right now, appearing almost neon against the damp bark of the trees.

Three Redwood Species

Did you know that Hoyt Arboretum is home to all three species of Redwoods? As you wander along the Redwood Trail, see if you can spot the differences:

1. Giant Sequoia: The biggest and most massive by volume.
2. Coast Redwood: The tallest tree species on Earth.
3. Dawn Redwood: An ancient “living fossil” that loses its needles in the winter to reveal a beautiful, architectural branch structure.

The Ultimate Photo Op: No winter visit is complete without a stop at the iconic Redwood Deck. Nestled deep within the Redwood Grove, it offers a 360-degree view of the towering canopy above. It’s the perfect spot to pause, breathe in the fresh forest air, and snap a selfie to capture the scale of these magnificent giants.

If you’re looking for a burst of cheer against a grey winter sky, the Holly Loop is your must-see destination. While other plants may be waiting for spring, the hollies are currently in their prime, offering a vibrant landscape of greens, oranges, and reds.

Guaranteed Winter Color: The Holly Loop is the place to go for guaranteed color. Holly leaves remain lush and vibrant throughout the coldest months, providing a beautiful backdrop for their iconic fruit. As you wander the trail, you’ll be treated to a variety of bright hues, ranging from classic crimson to striking orange holly berries.

A Walk Through History: Holly isn’t just a pretty plant; it’s a living piece of history. These trees have been a part of winter holiday traditions for thousands of years. Many different cultures throughout history used holly branches to decorate their homes, bringing life and color indoors to brighten the dark winter months. Walking through this collection feels like a nod to those ancient winter celebrations.

Quick and Accessible: One of the best things about the Holly Loop is how easy it is to visit:

• Accessibility: You don’t have to hike deep into the woods to find this collection. It’s located just south of the parking lot by Hoyt Arboretum’s Visitor Center.
• Short and Sweet: The loop is super short, making it an ideal choice for families with small children or for those who want a quick dose of nature without committing to a long trek.

With dozens of holly species to enjoy, this loop is a masterclass in how much variety exists within this festive family of trees.

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