Californians can soon expect a spectacular wildflower explosion across the state’s desert parks, signaling the much-anticipated arrival of spring. Those fortunate enough to visit can witness vibrant blooms emerging as bright bulbs begin to pop up, creating breathtaking displays of color.
Already, visitors to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park along Henderson Canyon Road and Red Rock Canyon State Park are treated to stunning patches of yellow, white, and purple blooms. Eye-catching primroses, lacy phacelia, and coreopsis are making their colorful debut, hinting at even more spectacular sights to come.
According to a California State Parks department press release, “This spring, California State Parks expects a moderate-to-strong wildflower bloom across desert state parks, thanks to widespread rainfall during the fall and winter.” The press release adds, “The desert landscape is beginning to burst with color, with additional parks expected to display vibrant blooms in the weeks and months ahead.”
Other areas such as Borrego Palm Canyon and Coyote Canyon are also starting to showcase these beautiful bursts of color. For those planning visits, park officials recommend several prime viewing locations, including:
– Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve
– Chino Hills State Park
– Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA)
– Hungry Valley SVRA
– Saddleback Butte State Park
– Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
Additionally, a live PoppyCam feed is available from mid-March through May for those who want to experience the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve’s vibrant blooms from home.
These parks have a history of spectacular wildflower displays, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors worldwide in years like 2017, 2019, and 2023. The wildflower season typically runs from as early as mid-February through May, with the colorful mosaic changing daily, providing fresh scenes to enjoy throughout the season.
A quick reminder for all visitors: it is against the law to pick wildflowers in state parks. Officials ask everyone to keep the “Beauty in the Bloom” by appreciating the flowers responsibly—staying on designated trails and capturing the beauty only through photographs and memories.
https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/us-news/wildflower-explosion-ca-desert-parks-heres-where-to-see/