Natural History Wanderings

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association updates

February 28, 2020  See our Map
The bloom mentioned below is still continuing in the same locations.  This year’s bloom is lightly scattered across many areas and is different from the concentrated carpets of flowers last year.  But there are many locations worth visiting.  The easiest place continues to be at the end of DiGiorgio Road and going into Coyote Canyon.  In addition to the areas mentioned in our report on February 19, we have also had reports of flowers in Fish Creek Wash, mostly in the shady sides of the canyon.  Printed copies of our map are available in the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive.

February 19, 2020
There is currently an early spring bloom taking place in many locations in Anza-Borrego.  Close to town the best place to go is Coyote Creek.  The flowers there are dominated by bright yellow desert dandelions but there are many other species in the mix, white chicory, orange desert sunflowers, and purple sand verbena.  There are flowers at the beginning of the dirt road but the best areas are about 1 1/2 mile in.  The road is in excellent shape right now and suitable for any vehicle (with care) to first crossing.  Beyond first crossing high clearance is essential and 4WD is recommended, but it is not necessary to go that far.

If you are looking for desert lilies there is a nice bloom taking place at the Arroyo Salado Campground.  Look for flowers along the road that leaves the campground to the east.  Desert lilies are also reported along the route to the Calcite Mine. Here is a iphone shot from Arroyo Salado from earlier today.