Natural History Wanderings

DesertUSA has a number of wildflowers reports for California and Arizona. Mostly pretty dry with only spotty wildflowers so far. This weeks rains may help some, Here are the reports:

Hat Mountain, Arizona The poppies are out at Hat Mountain. Photo taken 2/5/2014 Hat Mtn. is on the Barry M. Goldwater Range north of Ajo, AZ. Range permit is required and is obtained at the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Office in Ajo or at the Gila Bend Auxiliary Airfield.

Anza-Borrego Desert  Drove into the park on Route 78 and took the S3 through Borrego Springs. Followed S22 up to the wash that goes to Font’s Point. All was very dry. Very nice weather. From the wash I returned back west to Coyote Canyon. The first part of the road up to Desert Gardens is in good shape. 4WD is recommended for the road once you pass Desert Gardens.

The rain storm late last year moved a lot of water through the canyon. The first crossing of the creek is now farther south and there is a pretty good flow of water in the creek. There are some wildflowers in the area, but without any rain for the last few months the wildflower outlook for this year is not good.

Joshua Tree NP Wildflowers can begin blooming in the lower elevations of the Pinto Basin and along the park’s south boundary in February. No wildflower reports to date, very dry.

Death Valley NP No wildflower report to date, very dry.

Southern California Deserts Some rain is forecasted for today. No new sighting of wildflowers yet.

See more reports and photos at: Desert Wildflower Reports – DesertUSA.