Natural History Wanderings

Wildflowers at Hungry Valley has a new wildflower update today

We are at the height of the wildflower season at Hungry Valley. The Poppies are finally really showing, especially on Wheatfield/Powerline/Saltlick trails loop. You will also enjoy lots of those golden beauties along Gold Hill Road heading south from the North Entrance Kiosk. Along Stipa Trail, there are fair displays of Poppies, and as you turn left at Badger Trail, you will see nice splashes of color continuing on the slopes until you get to Powerline. Along Powerline, Sunflowers are also beginning to grow in numbers; the ones pictured here are visible from Powerline approaching Condor. Lupines can be seen along Powerline also, and on the hillsides along Gold Hill road near the north entrance. The Yucca are blossoming all over the park, especially in the lowlands in the south end, and look for the dazzling red Scarlet Buglers throughout the park, too. Poppies aren’t fully open until around 10:30 a.m., and be sure to come on a sunny day because they close up when it’s cloudy. We at Hungry Valley welcome you to come visit and see this once-a-year brilliance in our Wildflower viewing areas, and be sure to pick up a map at the entrance kiosk to guide you and help you identify the flowers. [5/2/13]