DesertUSA publishes news, articles and educational content about the desert regions of the United States. Our news feed includes press releases from the National Park Service, State Parks and other recreation areas.
Wildflower Reports 2023
Where are the desert wildflowers blooming?
DesertUSA is predicting that we will have an excellent wildflower season this year. Will it be a superbloom? Time will tell. Some of the best wildflower viewing areas have received a good amount of rain over the past few months. We still have to see how the weather plays out in February. If the early bloom in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in December indicates what is to come, this year’s displays could be phenomenal.
To read the most current wildflower reports and to view photos, visit DesertUSA’s Wildflower Reports. Reader’s send in reports with location information and photos throughout the wildflower season.
Desert Life Features
Cottonwood Spring Oasis
Joshua Tree National Park
Cottonwood Spring is one of the most scenic spots in Joshua Tree National Park and the site of a desert fan palm oasis. I learned about this location from one of the park Rangers whose eyes lit up when talking about it. She said it was one of her favorite destinations in the park. Her response to the area intrigued me, so I took a short drive to see what Cottonwood Spring had to offer.
Mountain Lion Basics
Photo by Jim Bremner
Mountain lion sightings are always memorable. It’s a marvel of nature to see one in the wild, but it can also be a hazard, especially if the sighting takes place close to home! When that happens, our natural urge to ‘sound the alarm’ is uncontrollable, because nothing raises the hairs on the backs of our necks more than the idea of being stalked, attacked, killed and eaten by a large predator! It’s a primal fear, the reality of which we seldom confront in this modern day and age.
Desert Five-Spot
Eremalche rotundifolium
Photo by Lara Hartley
The desert five-spot is one of the most beautiful flowers that grows in the desert. This annual herb, a member of the Mallow family (Malvaceae), grows 4 to 24 inches high. Its sparse leaves are round to heart-shaped, with scalloped margins up to 2 inches wide. The color of the leaves is green and often red with short, bristly hairs.
Discover the Beauty of the Desert Lily
Queen of the Desert Located in Southern California, Anza Borrego Desert State Park welcomes you to explore. You can marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty of the park, including the vibrant…
Mountain lion P-81 likely killed by vehicle strike
Mountain Lion P-81 NPS / Jeff Sikich We are saddened to share the news that mountain lion P-81 was likely killed by a vehicle strike Sunday, Jan. 22. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)…
Grand Canyon National Park Announces 2024 Noncommercial River Trip Lottery Period
Today, Wednesday, February 1, 2023, the National Park Service will begin accepting applications for noncommercial river trip permits to raft the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park for specific launch…
An adventure through time. Explore the route used by pioneers on their way to California. The Mojave Road lets your SUV act as a time machine, guiding you on a trail that stretches for 138 miles through country virtually unchanged since prehistoric times. Learn more about the Mojave Road Guide by Dennis Casebier.
100% Natural Ingredients – DesertUSA Prickly Pear Syrup is made with all natural ingredients using real prickly pear cactus fruit puree. Never any preservatives, and no artificial colors or flavors. Shop for Prickly Pear Syrup
If you’re looking for a fun thing to do with your kids, check out our “Break-at-Home” geode kits. This hands on rockhounding experience is a great way for kids to learn about geology, how geodes are formed and to experience the excitement of discovery when they break one open. Learn more about “Break-at-Home” geodes