Wildflower map: Pro tips to finding blooms at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Amber Coakley
·3 min read

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — California’s wildflower bloom is in motion, with native buds already opening in colors at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Thousands of visitors flock to the barren wilderness of northeastern San Diego County each year to see for themselves the parallel of desert sand and radiant blossoms.

According to the Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF), there are hundreds of flowering species amongst Southern California’s desert lands, meaning there is a variety of flora to be discovered. So far this year, officials have reported wildflowers like primrose, phacelia and wooly sunflower.

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ABF supports education, research, and conservation programs for the desert, while encouraging responsible bloom viewing. For those planning an adventure out to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, here are some suggested guidelines to follow while chasing those delicate aromas of nature:

— Stay on designated trails whenever possible. Tread lightly in the desert to avoid trampling the wildflowers.

— When viewing the blooms, take only pictures. Flower picking is strictly prohibited. Respect the desert’s eyeshot offering.

— Help keep the landscapes pristine, leaving it better than when you arrived by packing out anything you packed in. Abide by the motto: pack it in, pack it out.

Wildflower field
Wildflower field

“It’s crucial for visitors to practice responsible behavior, such as staying on designated trails and avoiding trampling the delicate wildflowers, to ensure the preservation of these natural wonders for everyone to enjoy,” ABF stated.

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Officials with the foundation offered up some “pro tips” for those planning a visit to see the blooms. They suggested downloading or printing their wildflower map, which can direct explorers directly to the flowers — helping them to avoid the crowds at the park’s Visitor Center.

Visible below, this map can be downloaded here.

ABF also suggested using the state park’s interactive map for an enhanced experience. This online tool allows users to view locations of wildflower blooms, parking spots, campgrounds and picnic areas, along with the park’s tourist attractions.

Here are instructions for viewing the interactive map:

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  1. Zoom in and more information will appear.

  2. By clicking a place to visit (the column on the right side of the map), the map will zoom in to that place.

  3. Use the navigation tool to find your way from one location to another location.

  4. Find other features such as parking spots, restrooms and tourist attractions by clicking the “near me” icon.

  5. You can also print the parts of the maps you want or save them on your phone.

  • Purple sand verbena.
    Purple sand verbena. (Credit: Sicco Rood)
  • Desert sunflower.
    Desert sunflower. (Credit: Sicco Rood)

ABF also encourages visitors to share locations where they find blooms by utilizing the state park’s 2024 Wildflower Survey. All you do is open the map, which reads your location, and start answering the questions. It also prompts you to take photos of the wildflowers you find.

State park officials said they are expecting a “good” to “better-than-average” season this year, which runs from about mid-March to May. For the most recent wildflower update, ABF suggested calling the Wildflower Hotline at (760) 767-4684.

Happy bloom hunting, San Diego.

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