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Wildflower Reports 2024


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Wildflower and Plant Descriptions with Photos

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2024 Southern California Wildflower Reports

 

March 18, 2024 Anggara Reports: I drove to Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve today, 3/17/2024 and did not even enter the park. Nothing to get excited of there. Meanwhile north of Hwy 138 the poppies start to bloom. Some violet wild flowers start to show potential too.



March 17, 2024 Curry Reports: Photos taken by Curry Sawyer on Figueroa Mountain in California on March 16th. Shooting Stars and Chocolate Lily.





March 17, 2024 Harriot Reports: Wind Wolves Preserve and the fields around Maricopa in the San Joaquin Valley are getting rolling too!




 

 

March 14, 2024 DUSA Reports: Diamond Valley Lake (Hemet Area) wildflowers are blooming, this a fee area and may not be open on Mondays.

March 14, 2024 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Reports: Cold night time temperatures has kept growth slow for the poppies. Fiddlenecks stretch up and unfurl spirals of yellow flowers. Patches of pink red stem filaree are tinting the hillsides. But mostly, everything is still growing and haven't opened their blossoms to the world. Keep an eye for warmer conditions ahead and we shall see what the future spring bloom will be. Remember, at 3,000ft elevation, it is still winter. Time to wait and be patient for the weather.

March 8, 2024 Tis Reports: Taken on 3-6-2024.  This was just off of Charlie Brown Hwy (Ca. 178) going toward Shoshone in Tecopa County.Did not see the spider on the Desert fivespot when we took the photo.


March 4, 2024 Christina Reports: I went to Walker Canyon north of Lake Elsinore, Ca yesterday on 3/3/24. There were no poppies and a very small number of wildflowers by the creeks.  There were a moderate number of poppies on the side of I-15 north of Escondido and through Rainbow. 

Feb 27, 2024 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Reports: The Poppy visitor center opens March 1st. Can someone tell the poppies? There are a few out on the Reserve, but most are still growing. We have had more rain which will increase invasive weed growth. As people start to see flowers grow to the south, keep in mind that we are at elevation and our temps have been cooler. A hike on Friday showed fiddlenecks, filaree, the occasional poppy or locoweed. Still a few weeks out until more flowers bloom.


Feb 20, 2024 Kris Reports: Walker Canyon 2/17/24 - it is early in the season so I didn't expect much in the way of poppies or other flowers.  So I was not surprised to see no poppies at all.  However, I also didn't see ANY established poppy plants visible from the trail, and very few small sprouts that I thought could be poppies.  Blooms may be late and few but recent rains could help.  There were a few other flowers here and there but not much. And some plants that were not yet blooming.

 

Feb 5, 2024 DUSA Reports: Major rainstorms in Southern California for the next few days. This should be good for the future bloom of wildflowers.

Feb 5, 2024 DUSA Reports: Rain at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve. Click here for live views of the Poppy Reserve!

Feb 2, 2024 Greg Reports: A beautiful wildlfower image in North Algodones Dunes, CA. This post is shared from DesertUSA's Facebook group, Desert Wildflowers & Wildlife. Photo by Greg McCracken.


Jan 22, 2024 DUSA Reports: Lots of rain in Southern California today.

Jan 1, 2024 DUSA Reports: It should be a good wildflower year.

 

 

 

 

 

2023 Southern California Wildflower Reports

 

April 24 2023 Gale Reports: Locations taken: About 7-10 minutes East of the California Poppy Reserve, along Avenue I/Lancaster Road/Fairmont-Neenach Road (all one road) Arrived there a little after 10am and it wasn't too busy. Had visited the same location about a week prior, and you could definitely tell the poppies had diminished in density. The Goldfields, however, have shown an increase in blooming. Very small showing of Lupine. Also drove toward the windmills near Tehachapi/Rosamond & found a nice smattering of Desert Dandelions. Photos 4/20/23




April 22 2023 Vince Reports: Figueroa Mountain, photos taken Wednesday 4/19



 

 

April 20 2023 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reports: Peak has passed. Visitors and staff held their breath for the poppy show that never came. There are large amounts of goldfields on their last week and the lupine bushes are blooming, but few poppies.

April 20 2023 General Reports: Wildflowers Lancaster ca



April 19 2023 Don Reports: Ash Tree Dr., Elizabeth Lake.  Rainbow Hill about 1/2 mile up a dirt AWD road from Elizabeth Lake Rd.  - April 15


April 17 2023 Michele Reports: APRIL 17 Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve area. Had a lovely day near the Reserve yesterday.”

= From Los Angeles drove up the 14 then west along hwy. 138 toward the reserve. That in itself is a pretty drive! After some time on the 138, numerous places to stop/park/walk for fields of poppies started to pop up everywhere left and right. (Lots of people too but not enough to ruin the experience.)

= Drove to the Reserve (had a good line of cars) and walked outside it just next door to the east - large open fields there for exploring. = Then drove some dirt roads (in a normal Kia) around the east side of that area and found plenty to places to stop and enjoy the scenery and color. I kept having the feeling there was more - but I didn't know where else to go exactly.

= FYI I waited for the weather to be right - a sunny warm day, not much cloud cover or wind, and the poppies were lively and open. In the afternoon when wind kicked up a little the poppies closed. They were still pretty, but not as dramatic




 

April 17 2023 Todd Reports: These are all from my April 15 hike, from the Mission Creek Preserve gate, out to the Pacific Crest Trail, then about two miles north on the Pacific Crest Trail.  But the road along the way had plenty of flowers, too.  Could have easily made a nice selection of specimen shots just along the drive.

Heading east on I-10, from before Haugen-Lehman exit, to at least U.S. 62, the hillside is covered with yellow, presumably the same brittlebush I saw elsewhere.  They’re in the background of that first picture, with desert dandelion in the foreground.

Along the road, both before and after the gate, lots more brittlebush (third photo), Fremont pincushion (second photo), and blue phacelia (fifth photo), mixed around the base of larger, protective plants.  Those patches gave the ground of some of my longer views across desert a purplish tinge.  Some areas thick with Fremont’s pincushion had desert chicory mixed in. Patches of owl’s clover.  Patches of Canterbury bell, especially further along the trail.  One patch of desert poppies (sixth photo).  One Indian paintbrush.  Several yucca 




April 13 2023 Michael Reports: The mixed variety with poppies is in Sand Canyon, just West of US 395 from Inyokern.  8 April, 2023. The bright gold, we call it "God's Highlighter", is along US 395 North of CA 58 at Kramer Junction.  10 April, 2023.





April 12 2023 Jonathan Reports: These photos were all taken at Diamond Valley Lake on Friday, April 7.  The wildflowers are still quite abundant, most grouped conveniently within the first half-mile of trail from the parking area.  But keep walking onward for some nice photos looking back at the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains in the distance.  And if possible, stay toward sunset, as nothing beats long light and wildflowers, especially poppies softly lit from behind! Note Diamond Valley Lake is not open on Mondays.




April 12 2023 Ruby Reports: Wildflowers on Inspiration Point Trail, Will Rogers Historic State Park, Pacific Palisades, CA, Photos taken 4/10/23, Copyright ©.



April 11 2023 Michelle Reports: Shell Creek Rd. Santa Margarita, Ca. Photo taken 4/8/23



April 10 2023 Morgan Reports:

  • April 9, 2023. Figueroa  mountain road, hillside just past the Zaca Ridge Road.  The hillside is in full bloom, time to go is now.
  • Grass mountain is filling in nicely




 

 

April 9 2023 Jade Reports: If anyone's into Mojave blues, they're awesome east of Victorville in the BLM areas of the Sidewinder Range and east of Stoddard Mountain. It's purple (lavender really) mountains majesty. I think most of it is the (Heliotrope) Phacelia Crenulata but you may want to double check on that close up. The curled "head" of it is distinct. Lucenene Valley Cuttoff road takes one through the best areas. The road is sandy and roughed up— winter rains were tough on it—but the slopes are bathed in purple with bluebells in rocky areas, occasionally with a mallow for a striking contrast. Blue dicks are hanging in there.  Smell is heavenly. 


April 8 2023 Jeffrey Reports: Went up to Figueroa Mountain 4-6-2023 , wildflowers are covering good sections , may even get better in a few days.



April 7 2023 Lillian Reports: Open field off of Lancaster Road and Fairmont-Neenach Road, 5 minutes away from Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve. Photos taken April 6




April 6 2023 Robin Reports: Taken in the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve April 5 by Robin. It’s a patchy show this year. The Fiddlenecks seem to be taking over in many areas but colorful patches can be found to photograph and enjoy. 




 

April 2 2023 Jennie Reports: Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve  Photos taken on April 1 ,warm days yesterday and today have coaxed the poppies into blooming. The South and East side of the reserve are blooming the most. These photos were taken along the Antelope Trail South Loop on April 1. Parking lot was full by 10AM on a Saturday.



April 1 2023 NHI Reports: Found a nice and only patch of poppies & lupines on Figueroa Mountain on 3/31/2023.  This patch can be seen from the road, no hiking needed.



Mar 31 2023 Text Reports: These photos were taken on 03/27/23 from Antelope Poppy Reserve and nearby áreas at 110th West and West Ave. I .



Mar 31 2023 Gary Reports: photo 3/27/23 Arvin CA.While not the full glory of last year, the bloom is still worthwhile. Near the Arvin Cross.


Mar 28 2023 Mark Reports: Shell Creek Road, north of the junction with Rt 58, east of Santa Margarita, on the way to Carrizo Plain.  A very impressive display of poppies, goldfields, fiddle necks, tidy tips, baby blue eyes.  Note that you can only drive along Shell Creek road for about 2.5 miles north of route 58 because it is closed where the rapidly flowing creek flows over the road. 




Mar 27 2023 Charity Reports: These are from the Wildflower Trail at Diamond Valley Lake March 24.  The trail is stunning this year, with around 15 species in bloom.  There is a parking and day use fee to access the trail, but parking is half price for seniors over 62.  Trail is extremely popular, I recommend a weekday visit if possible, the trail is open Wednesday-Sunday.  




 

 

Mar 26 2023 Susan Reports: Photos for Shell Creek Road. Northeastern San Luis Obispo County. South of Shandon; South of Highway 41 and north of Highway 58. Length: Approximately 10 miles from San Juan Road to Highway 58.




Mar 23 2023 Andrew Reports: Lake Elsinore Walker canyon is closed but there are many other areas nearby with excellent poppy blooms. Photo taken Friday 3/17


Mar 21 2023 Larry Reports: Went to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve on Saturday, March 18.  The actually Poppy Reserve was not that good, but north of the Reserve along Lancaster Blvd and 110th st & W Ave 3-8 in Lancaster there were some nice fields of poppies.  As along Munz Ranch Road there were some nice hills in yellow.  It was a bit overcast, so not as spey as it could have been.  I think it needs another week.



Mar 20 2023 Larry Reports: Went to Arvin/Tahacapi on Saturday, March 18.  A nice bloom in the typical places along Route 223 (East Bear Mountain Blvd).  The sun was shining and the temperature was in the upper 60's.  It looks as if there will be a bloom for a while.



Mar 18 2023 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Reports: The moment we have all been waiting for: the first kiss of spring. The hillsides are starting to display painter's creamy pinks from filaree, golden yellows of the goldfields.... still waiting for the hillsides that burn brightly with the poppy orange. There are *some* poppies blooming. Your best bet is Antelope trail north loop and Kitanemuk vista point. Still unknown when the height of the bloom will be.


 

 

Mar 18 2023 Don Reports: These are my photos taken on March 16, 2023, along the Wildflower Trail, Diamond Valley Lake.  My observations included Bristly Fiddleneck, Brittlebush, California Buckwheat, California Chickory, California Four O'clock, California Poppy, California Sun Cup, Caterpillar Scorpionweed, Chia, Clearwater Cryptantha, Common Goldfields, Deerweed, Menzie's Baby Blue Eyes, Miniature Lupine, Red Maid, Stinknet, Strigose Bird's-foot Trefoil, and Wild Canterbury Bells.  Lakeview Wildflower Trail. 




Mar 18 2023 Gina reports:  Took a ride up to Figueroa Mountain 3-15-23  ,snow has melted, wildflowers are popping up. It was a cloudy, misty  morning. should be pretty good year!




Mar 13 2023 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Reports: The poppies are waiting for the warm weather. The flowers of California poppy wait to bloom for warmth. They close each night, and on cloudy days.

Mar 13 2023 DesertUSA Reports: The wildflower trail is now open at Diamond Valley Lake. This is a fee area near Hemet CA. Fall 2022 and winter 2023 rains have prepared the hillsides for a very good wildflower season. With warm weather and more spring rains on the horizon, 2023 looks to be a very good year for wildflowers at Diamond Valley Lake. Diamond Valley Lake area is a wildlife reserve so unfortunately, dogs are not allowed.

Mar 9 2023 Rena Reports: The area east of Arvin, California driving along CA-223 towards CA-58 Highway is blooming nicely.  I took these photos on 3/6/2023.



Mar 7 2023 Ernest Reports: I visited Tejon Ranch alongside Highway 223 near Arvin 03/05/2023. I have visited this area every year for the last 5 years and this year looks great. I believe the current bloom is about 70 ~80% and expect full bloom in the next few weeks.




 

 

Mar 1 2023 DesertUSA Reports: Snow at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve on the 25th. The snow is gone now and will result in more water for the poppies.


Below is 2/25/23 Above 3/1/23


Mar 1 2023 M Sh Reports: This was on road 600 near Raymond, CA on February 21,2023.


Feb 26 2023 DesertUSA Reports: Carrizo Plain National Monument Snow covers the Temblor Range and the California Valley on Feb. 25, 2023

Read more at: https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/weather-news/article272602828.html

 

Feb 23 2023 Don Reports: Figueroa Mountain, above the Santa Ynez Valley north of Santa Barbara, is a popular wild flowering destination. This year it's looking good already, as the poppies on Grass Mountain across the valley are already showing a modest massing and the lupine and poppies on "Lupine Hill" above the Ranger Station are emerging. Our favorite "Target Flower" on Figueroa Mountain is the elusive Chocolate Lily.  This year they are already appearing on the hill below and to the right of the large Forest Service parking lot. Rain is forecast for later this week and through the weekend, further assisting Mother Nature's work to give us a good flower show on Figueroa Mountain. Note Figueroa Mountain Rd may be closed. Rangers ticketing people who drive around the barricade.  Also expect snow this weekend which may set the flowers back. 



Feb 18 2023 Swadha Reports: Wanted to share our wildflower photos that we took last weekend on Weir Canyon, Anaheim Hills and a week before in Chino Hills. Weir Canyon Regional Park



Feb 16 2023 Baker Reports: Weir Canyon Trail - Weir Canyon Regional Park Anaheim Hills CA Feb 13, 2023 Wander the trails and be rewarded by views like this. Parking is limited, overflow parking is on adjacent residential streets. Please be considerate of the local residents as you clog their neighborhood with cars.


Photo Credit to Dr. Baker

Feb 16 2023 DesertUSA Reports: Carrizo Plain National Monument Still looks good for wildflowers this year, should start late March or in April.

Feb 16 2023 DesertUSA Reports: No wildflower bloom at the Poppy Reserve yet, still early. A few blooms here and there. The Antelope Valley is higher in elevation and farther north and therefore colder than wildflower fields near Elsinore and in the Chino Hills.

Picture from Live Camera at reserve 2-15-23

Feb 9 2023 Aaron Reports:  Lots of wildflowers on Catalina Island right now. Only a few poppies, but tons of Padre’s Shooting Star and other various flowers. The mustard still hasn’t come up but others are already approaching peak. These were taken on 2/12 near Two Harbors on NW facing slopes. 




Feb 9 2023 Nhi Reports: Chino Hills State Park on 2/6/2023.  Most of the park is green with small patches of poppies in the distance.  There's one patch of poppies along Bane Canyon Loop trail.




 

Feb 7 2023 DesertUSA Reports: Walker Canyon - Following the recent rainfall, the poppies are again beginning to bloom, but this will not be a Super Bloom similar to what they had in 2019. The City of Lake Elsinore is planning the following to prevent problems that happen in the 2019 bloom.

  • Walker Canyon trail CLOSED to all visitors. 
  • Parking in and around Walker Canyon CLOSED
  • Walker Canyon Road access at Lake Street is CLOSED.
  • CHP requests that motorists keep the freeway shoulders open. The freeway shoulders are for emergency situations only.
  • RSO will be citing and towing vehicles parked illegally.

 

Feb 6 2023 Chrisopher Reports: Photos taken in Griffith Park (Commonwealth Canyon) on Saturday, February 4th. More flowers than I have ever seen here and it is only early February.



 

Feb 3 2023 Ryan Reports: These photos are all in the Chino Hills State Park either Friday January 27, Tuesday January 31, and Wednesday February 1, 2023




 

Feb 2 2023 DesertUSA Reports: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve There are no poppies yet but it should be a good year. The gift shop and museum don't open until March. You can park and pay at the automated kiosk for hiking the reserve, but it's mostly grass right now, see picture for their camera on Feb 2 2023. Link to live camera.


 

Feb 1 2023 Debra Reports: This picture is taken on highway 98 near Oasis historical landmark. GPS


Jan 24 2023 Vincent Reports: 6 miles SSE of intersection of Gecko Rd and Hwy 78. About 300 yards NE of the Coachella canal. Follow Gecko Rd into Roadrunner campground and park.  A bit of a hike if you don't have a 4x4. The fragrance is awesome - goes on for 1-2 miles. This is open riding area so be on the lookout for OHV traffic - wear bright colors and you will be good - not heavily traveled - see map below ----- GPS North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area



You can also see a fantastic display at the intersection of Gecko Rd and Hwy 78 on the NW side of Hwy 78 in the wilderness area - runs for miles heading away from the dunes. Can't miss them.

 

Jan 17 2023 DesertUSA Reports: Carrizo Plain National Monument has received lots of rain last week. 

Jan 12 2023 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Reports: The Poppy Reserve has received more than 3 inches of rain, season total is now above 8 and 1/2 inches. Good news for wildflowers.

Jan 9 2023 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Reports: Poppy Reserve rain totals have now reached 5.55. Last rain dropped .75 inches. More... on the way.


1/9/23 live camera

Jan 9 2023 Carrizo Plain weather Reports: This Afternoon Rain. High near 61. Windy, with a south wind around 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Tonight Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 10pm. Low around 46. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Tuesday Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 4pm, then a chance of rain and thunderstorms after 4pm. High near 55. Windy, with a southwest wind around 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Jan 2 2023 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Reports: The Poppy Reserve received 1.67 inches of rain from the end of the year storm, bringing the season total to 4.73. More rain is on the way! Here is a link to a live camera.

Jan 1 2023 DesertUSA Reports: Happy New Year. The outlook for the wildflower season looks good at this point. It is raining in most areas and the hills are all turning green.

Jan 1 2023 DesertUSA Reports: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve looks like it getting some rain.



 

 

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When will the desert wildflowers bloom?
We start our report in January, plan your visit to coincide with the peak of the bloom - keep up to date with DesertUSA's Wildflower Reports. Be sure to bookmark this page for weekly updates.

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Note: Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the desert, but it can also be a time for caution. Rattlesnakes lie dormant during the cold fall and winter months and awaken from hibernation in the warm months of March and April. Another reason to stay on the trails.

 
 

 

 

 

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