State Parks forecasts strong wildflower season in California deserts this year
Visitors are urged to stay on trails and avoid picking flowers
– California State Parks expects moderate-to-strong wildflower blooms this spring across desert state parks following widespread rainfall during the fall and winter.
Wildflowers are beginning to appear in parks including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Red Rock Canyon State Park, with additional desert parks expected to see blooms in the coming weeks and months. State Parks invites Californians and visitors to experience the seasonal displays while reminding the public that picking wildflowers in state parks is prohibited.
Other parks that may see notable blooms include Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve, Chino Hills State Park, Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area, Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park. Several of these parks experienced significant wildflower seasons in 2017, 2019, and 2023, drawing large numbers of visitors.
Depending on location and timing, visitors may see sand verbena, desert poppies, primroses, desert sunflowers, and apricot mallow. At the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, bloom season typically runs from mid-March through May and may include poppies, fiddleneck, and redstem filaree. The reserve offers a live PoppyCam feed that allows visitors to check bloom conditions before traveling.
Wildflower growth depends on weather factors including rainfall, sunlight, temperature patterns, and wind. Early blooms are already visible in parts of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, particularly along Henderson Canyon Road, where visitors have reported desert sand verbena, primroses, desert sunflowers, apricot mallow, and desert lilies. Borrego Palm Canyon and Coyote Canyon are also beginning to show early color. Blooms may continue through mid- to late February, weather permitting, with peak bloom season typically beginning in mid-February, depending on regional conditions.
State Parks encourages visitors to recreate responsibly while visiting desert parks, noting that landscapes may change after storms, cell service may be limited, and temperatures can vary. Visitors are advised to check weather conditions before traveling, remain on designated trails, avoid trampling flowers, take photographs rather than flowers, and carry sufficient water to stay hydrated.
Additional information and updates on wildflower conditions, park rules, and resources in English and Spanish are available at parks.ca.gov/WildflowerBloom.
