Natural History Wanderings

Since California Wildflower Locations by  Carol Leigh’s has been out of print, nothing has filled it place. Here is one possibility as least for the southern half of the state.

I recently had the opportunity to look at A Guide to Wildflower Locations of Central and Southern California, an unpublished but very informative guide to wildflower hotspots by Spencer Westbrook. It is the work of over thirty years of his personal exploration of California wildflower roads and trails. He describes 28 different trips in detail including What to expect at each location, Directions, When to go, and additional information for each trip. He includes photos and a section for field notes for each location.  If you are interested you can purchase the wildflower guide as a CD directly from Spencer for $28 (includes shipping)  at:

Spencer Westbrook
228 Dalton Street
Ventura, Calif. 93003
Email: swestbrook@mail.com

Click read more to see the table of contents, which includes the lists of locations and a sample page.

YOSEMITE AREA

 TRIP 1: HITE’S COVE………………………………………………… 9

 TRIP 2: EVERGREEN, HETCH HETCHY ROADS……………… 11

 TRIP 3: FORESTA, CRANE CREEK……………………………….. 13

CENTRAL COAST, COAST RANGE

TRIP 4: FT. HUNTER LIGGETT AREA……………………………. 15

TRIP 5: PANOCHE VALLEY………………………………………… 17

TRIP 6: PARKFIELD-COALINGA ROAD…………………………… 19

TRIP 7: SHELL CREEK ROAD………………………………………. 21

TRIP 8: SANTA ROSA CANYON…………………………………….  23

 

SOUTHERN SIERRAS

TRIP 9: SPRINGVILLE, YOKOHL VALLEY………………………… 25

TRIP 10: MOUNTAIN HOME STATE FOREST, BALCH PARK… 29

TRIP 11: RANCHERIA………………………………………………… 31

TRIP 12: KELSO VALLEY, JAWBONE CANYON…………………. 33

TRIP 13: WALKER BASIN…………………………………………….. 35

 

SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

TRIP 14: BENA, CALIENTE…………………………………………. 37

TRIP 15: COMMANCHE POINT……………………………………. 39

TRIP 16: TEJON RANCH, ARVIN AREA………………………….. 41

 

CUYAMA, CARRIZO PLAIN

TRIP 17: CARRIZO PLAIN…………………………………………… 43

TRIP 18: COTTONWOOD CANYON……………………………….. 45

TRIP 19: KLIPSTEIN CANYON……………………………………… 47

 

ANTELOPE VALLEY

TRIP 20: FAIRMONT BUTTES AREA……………………………… 49

TRIP 21: GORMAN POST ROAD……………………………………. 53

TRIP 22: QUAIL LAKE………………………………………………… 57

TRIP 23: TEJON RANCH PROPERTY……………………………… 59

TRIP 24: SADDLEBACK BUTTES…………………………………..  63

TRIP 25: OLD RIDGE ROUTE………………………………………  65

 

MOJAVE DESERT

26: TRIP 26: PROVIDENCE MOUNTAINS…………………………….. 67

 TRIP 27: NIPTON, CIMA, MOJAVE NATIONAL RESERVE……69

 

A FALL COLOR SECRET

TRIP 28: SUMMERS MEADOW……………………………………… 

TRIP 1: HITE’S COVE TRAIL 37°39’/ 119°53′

A true jewel for wildflower lovers, the Hite’s Cove trail has been studied, documented, and visited by classes from universities and colleges from all over the state. Over 300 species of flowering plants have been identified although not all bloom at the same time. Regardless, when the hills of the Merced River canyon bloom it is indeed a remarkable sight. The Hite’s Cove trail follows the south fork of the Merced River and provided access to Hite’s Cove, a gold mining operation in the 1800’s full of colorful tales and characters.

What to Expect:

Each bend in the trail seems to yield a different flower display and combination.

I will not attempt to list all the flowers you may see but just be prepared for an amazing display of California wildflowers.

 

Getting There:

The trail is accessible from Highway 140 where the south fork and Merced River converge. This has been the location of Savage Trading Post since the late 1800’s and a trading post is still present. Please park opposite the store along the riverbank and be sure to check in at the trading post to check trail conditions and sign the logbook. The Forest Service tracks trail usage to help them request annual operating funds.

Access to the trail is up the hill behind the trading post then along the river canyon. The trail is somewhat narrow and steep however, it eventually levels out and winds its way down to river level and proceeds along the bank of the river.

When to Go:

Late March through mid April are best but some blooms last into May. It can get hot along the trail even in April and after May can be very hot.

Additionally:

“Wildflowers of the Hite’s Cove Trail” by Stephen Botti and Ann Mendershausen details many of the plants and flowers found along the trail and should be included in any wildflower enthusiast library.