With the onset of spring comes the silver, or relatively multicolored, lining of the intense weather that has plagued the west all winter: the promise of wildflower-filled weeks and months, particularly in Southern and Central California and Arizona’s Sonoran Desert.
“We’re anticipating to higher than average wildflower bloom,” said Jorge Moreno, California State Parks Information Officer. Conditions are similarly favorable within the east, in line with Michelle Thompson, head of communications for Arizona State Parks and Trails.
Winter downpours have led to whispers of a “super bloom” this spring, just like the wildflower frenzy that blanketed the California and Arizona desert through the winter and spring of 2019.
There’s just one problem with this: “There isn’t any universally accepted definition of superblooming by the scientific community,” said Ana Beatriz Cholo, spokeswoman for the Pacific West region of the National Park System, adding that some definitions focus solely on desert blooms, while others check with simply to the above-average profusion of spring flowers. “But most individuals will agree that super flowering entails an unusually large and colourful display of wildflowers, which is the result of serious and well-planned rains.”
Bottom line: 2023 guarantees to be a wonderful spring for wildflowers. Some places will reach super-blooming levels, although they’re unlikely to be as widespread as in 2019.
Be prepared to get crowded in among the wildflower-filled spots, and remember to follow the no-track rules – stick with designated trails and roads, pack up all of your trash, and do not step on or pick flowers in your quest for the proper photo. Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore, California currently closed to visitors after suffering damage as a first-rate destination through the 2019 super boom.
Check The Theodore Payne Foundation’s Wildflower Hotline for flowering updates in southern and central California and each California AND Arizona provide updated wildflower reports for his or her state parks. At all locations, visit the parks’ web sites when planning your visit for more flower information, safety suggestions, and more.
Here are 10 flower-seeker destinations in California and Arizona, listed roughly from north to south in each state.
California
Carrizo Plain National Monument
What: A grassland in central central California just over an hour from San Luis Obispo, the Carrizo Plain National Monument guarantees to be an especially great 12 months for wildflowers, with hillside daisies in bloom, brilliant blue eyelets and phacelia, and more to return.
When: While abundant blooms can already be found, park officials expect the blooms to peak in the approaching weeks and last throughout the month, weather permitting. Visit the park website AND social media for up-to-date information on flowers and road conditions, a few of which have develop into impassable as a result of recent storms.
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
What: An hour and a half north of Los Angeles, the meadows of the Mojave Desert come to life with golden-orange California poppies, filaree, and fields of gold.
When: Poppies are blooming and more are expected in the approaching weeks; expect flowering within the reserve from early to mid-May. The current state of flowering might be checked live within the park poppy cameraand remember to drive rigorously on Lancaster Road; According to the park’s website, erratic driving and random photo stops are to be expected.
Channel Islands National Park
What: This stunning string of islands off Oxnard and Ventura is basically untouched wilderness, accessible a ferry trip lasting from one to 4 hours with a park service provider or a personal watercraft. Look for lupins, golden fields, blue dicks and giant coreopsis.
When: The flowering time varies across the five islands as each has a singular environment. Santa Barbara Island expects to bloom from mid-April to early May, while San Miguel Island is anticipated to bloom in early May. Visit dedicated island web sites for more information.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
What: Cozy to the California coast north of Malibu and simply accessible from Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is expecting some form of super bloom with a wide range of flowers including white popcorn flowers, creamy chaparral yucca flowers, purple lupins, and more.
When: Flowers, including poppies, sunflowers and Mariposa lilies, are already popping up among the many mountains, that are lush and green after heavy rains. Expect peak flowering this month and May, with some areas at higher elevations flowering through the summer months. Check Co Blooming Newsletter from the park for updates.
Chino Hills State Park
What: Nestled within the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, east of Los Angeles, about an hour’s drive away, Chino Hills State Park is a much-photographed spot with hills dotted with orange California poppies, in addition to black mustard, school bells, Canterbury bells, and arroyo lupins.
When: The park is blooming. Expect flowers from early to mid-May. Check park site for flower news and park updates; recent storms have resulted in extensive trail closures.
Cabrillo National Monument
What: San Diego’s Cabrillo National Monument, which commemorates where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first stepped on the US West Coast (the primary European to achieve this), can be a real floral destination. Located on the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, park visitors can search for bush sunflowers, Indian brushwood, sea dahlias, and more.
When: Flowering is nearing its peak. Learn while having fun with the park plant guideor download the file dedicated application. Wildflower enthusiasts can volunteer on the park and help protect and propagate native plants (e-mail learn more).
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
What: California’s largest state park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is 2 hours east of San Diego and is a typical destination for wildflower viewing. The desert climate allows for a few of California’s earlier blooms, including desert primrose, desert sunflower, and flowering cacti.
When: Due to the scale of the park, different sections have different amounts of precipitation. Parts of the park are already in bloom and you may expect pockets of flowers through spring and into early summer. Check within the park website for update Wildflower i photos.
Arizona
Lost Dutchman State Park
What: Forty miles east of Phoenix, within the foothills of the Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park is called after a former lost gold mine and is home to many beautiful desert flowers, including chuparosa, lupins, fiddlesticks, and Patagonia lilies.
When: The park began to bloom in mid-March. Visit the park Facebook page for weekly updates.
Picacho Peak State Park
What: About 75 miles south of Phoenix and 40 miles north of Tucson, Picacho Peak State Park boasted an actual super bloom in March, with blankets of yellow poppies and purple lupins cascading from above.
When: While the super bloom is over and the poppies are wilting, visitors can still find loads of flowers in the approaching weeks.
Catalina State Park
What: Just outside Tucson, Catalina State Park lies within the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains and is a year-round destination for cacti and desert plants which can be especially stunning in bloom.
When: The cold weather has delayed flowering on this park a bit, nevertheless it is now in full bloom. Visit the park Facebook page for the newest.
