California’s wildflower bloom is beginning: What to expect this season
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — With another winter season of torrential rains, California could be in for a particularly impressive wildflower bloom this spring.
In a wildflower bloom update on Friday, state park officials said they are expecting a “good” to “better-than-average” season this year, which runs from about mid-March to May.
Just how big it could become — and whether it can beat last year’s super bloom — depends on weather patterns over the coming months. However, some popular sites to see the state’s colorful fauna this time of year are already seeing some early blossoms.
According to park officials, Anza-Borrego State Park, located in San Diego County, has already begun to see some of its native wildflowers sprout, such as primrose, phacelia and wooly sunflower, at the center and southern edge of its lands.
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For those looking to experience the early bloomers at this state park, officials suggest heading to Henderson Canyon Road, the lower sandy dune portions of Coyote Canyon or along Highway S2 southeast of Agua Caliente County park.
Visitors can also see some the beginnings of desert carpets at the northeast corner of the park, towards Fish Creek and Arroyo Tapiado.
A little ways north, in Los Angeles County, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve has also started to see some of its vibrant California poppies, fiddlenecks and red stems pop up.
Other wildflower destinations — such as Red Rock Canyon State Park, Chino Hills State Park, and Fort Tejon State Historic Park — could see of its early growth in the coming days, state park officials say.
“In recent years, California has been lucky to see spectacular wildflower blooms in many public lands, including in state parks,” State Parks Director Armando Quintero said in a release. “We welcome all Californians and visitors from around the world to experience this natural phenomenon and ask all to keep the ‘Beauty in the Bloom’ by staying on designated trails and taking only photos, not flowers.”
For those traveling out to see California’s wildflowers, here are some tips for visiting responsibly:
State parks officials say the most important thing to do before heading out to visit the wildflowers is to plan ahead before leaving the house.
Read about the state park destination online and download a map prior to visiting, as cell service can get spotty in some of the bloom areas. Plan an itinerary and leave it with a family member or friend in case of an emergency.
Check the weather and bring appropriate equipment and clothing for those conditions. Parks officials suggest bringing food and water on your trip, as there are often no restaurants, gasoline stations or stores near the bloom areas.
It’s also important to know the limits of your vehicle, as some areas in state parks are only compatible with cars equipped with four-wheel or all-wheel drive.
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