Natural History Wanderings

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve SNR reports

Wildflower update March 4, 2020. There are many poppies and other wildflowers in bloom now. The warm weather has made the poppies bloom at a record pace. Fiddlenecks, slender keel fruits, red maids and forget-me-nots are also blooming several places on the reserve. Check the live poppy camera: www.parks.ca.gov/live/poppyreserve

The ADA trail has been expanded and is now 0.7 mile long.  It winds around part of the Poppy Trail North Loop.  We look forward to having the Poppy Reserve more accessible for everyone.

Please remember, visitors must stay on OFFICIAL TRAILS only; photos in the flowers are not allowed in the park. Walking in the poppies creates dirt patches and may result in a ticket. DO NOT walk where others have already damaged the habitat; it will compound the damage and leave a scar for years to come.

Commercial and student filming/photography requires a permit. No dogs, bikes on trails, drones, or picking flowers.

Poppies open up in mid morning, and curl up in the late afternoon/evening or if it’s cold, so check the weather forecast before leaving.  The weather can change suddenly and it is frequently windy here during the spring.  This is a DESERT grassland, so drink water often.  Note that it can be very windy here in the spring.

Current Photos

Weekly bloom updates will be posted through Mother’s Day.