Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve SNR reports
As of March 9th, the first poppies have started to bloom on Antelope Butte Vista Point trail! There are many poppy plants with buds about to open, and they’re even all over the trail. However… it’s a bit of a hike to get to it, and is not recommended for those with walking limitations. An easier spot to access where poppies should be blooming in the next week or so is at the top of Tehachapi Vista Point trail, where there are also a lot of poppy plants growing (not as much as Antelope Butte Vista Point trail, but still a good amount). The grape soda lupine is also starting to bloom up there.
The hills are still mostly green. Other flowers such as wild parsley, grape soda lupine, and slender keel fruit are popping up. Because the rains started late and then came on heavily, it wasn’t the optimal precipitation pattern for poppies so we’re expecting a moderate poppy bloom at best, possibly lasting through mid-April. Note that it can be very windy here in the spring. Check the forecast before visiting and dress accordingly.
Remember that going off of the trails to walk in the poppies could get you a ticket, unless they’re growing on the official trails; it can’t be avoided in some places.
Weekly bloom updates will be posted through Mother’s Day.
Natural History Wanderings 
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