Natural History Wanderings

Anza-Borrego Desert SP 's updated current wildflower bloom report

The quality and extent of flower displays are governed by a variety of environmental factors that are not only beyond our control but hard to predict. This is the second year of lower-than-average rainfall, and it is unlikely that we will see an eye-popping display of annuals, though shrubs, trees, and cacti are making a respectable showing.

The Visitor Center garden is alive with color, with many species of cactus bursting into bloom, along with native palo verde trees and stunning chuparosa and brittlebush. Cactus are also blooming along the Cactus Loop Trail, across from Tamarisk Grove campground, and around the Mine Wash Village site.

Ocotillo create a sea of red along Highway 78, just west of Ocotillo Wells. Look for them also along Yaqui Pass Road, Borrego Springs Road, and near Desert Gardens in Coyote Canyon.

For annuals, higher elevations are best now–try the Culp Valley area, or sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The Old Culp Valley Road is in good shape for four-wheel-drive vehicles, with lots of goldfields in bloom.

Drivers of high-clearance vehicles can navigate the Yaqui Well road and find a magnificent stand of yucca in bloom located not far beyond the junction with the Grapevine Canyon road. This area can also be accessed via the Grapevine Canyon Road that leaves Highway 78 across from the turnout for Plum Canyon. Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not venture far past the junction, but 4WD can continue to Angelina Spring and beyond to higher elevations.

Related articles

• Anza-Borrego Wildflower Update 3/27/13 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
• Anza-Borrego Wildflower Update 3/26/13 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
• Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflower Updates 3/20/13 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)