Arboretum Tour

Explore the COCC Arboretum on a self-guided tour and discover unique botanical treasures. The Arboretum features a diverse mix of flowering trees, shrubs and coniferous species native to the High Desert. Tree markers along the route detail the landscape's natural history and offer tips for identifying regional species.

Because of the campus terrain, both walking tours include stairs and elevation changes. The Lower Campus tour offers a shorter, easier route of about one mile and typically takes one hour to complete. The Upper Campus tour also covers one mile but includes more elevation gain, making it a moderately challenging walk. Plan for approximately one and a half hours to complete this route.

The Arboretum map was last updated in 2009 and is provided for historical reference only. Tree locations and routes may have changed.

 

Photo credit: COCC Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Program

Tour Information

• What is an Arboretum?
  An arboretum is a designated collection of trees and other woody plants, curated for education, scientific research and enjoyment.
  
  How will you enjoy the arboretum today?
• Why use Scientific Names?
  Common plant names often come from cultural traditions and can differ by region, with a single plant known by multiple names or one name used for different species. To provide clarity, biologists have established standards rules for naming species using a binomial (two-name), Latin name. This ensures each species has a unique name and allows for consistent identification and recognition.
• When to Visit
  Evergreen trees and shrubs can be enjoyed year-round and provide excellent opportunities for winter botanizing. To view the flowering trees at their peak, plan a visit to the Arboretum between April and September.
• Parking

  Free visitor parking is available in lots below the Boyle Education Center and at the Barber Library. In addition, permits are not needed to park along College Way.

  All vehicles parking in COCC student and staff parking areas from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays must display a permanent or temporary COCC parking permit. Vehicles in violation of this rule will be ticketed. The permits are free. Visitor parking permits are available from the Information Office located in the Boyle Education Center. See Parking on Campus for more information.