Natural History Wanderings

Picking wildflowers is often illegal. Removing or tramping on them interferes with pollination and reduces their numbers. Transplanting blooming wildflowers is rarely successful.

Please do not trespass on private property to view wildflowers. If you are viewing wildflowers that are on private property please view only from neighboring public areas and respect all signs on accessibility.

National Forest Service on Wildflower Ethics and Native Plants Ethics and Native Plants

Tips and park rules provided by California State Parks designed to make viewing the wildflower blooms more enjoyable:

Respect the Landscapes

• Each park has unique landscapes. Stay on designated trails whenever possible. Tread lightly in the desert. Do not trample flowers.

• When viewing the blooms, take only pictures. Flower picking is prohibited.

• Help keep the landscapes pristine, leaving it better than when you arrived by packing out anything you packed in.

• If dogs are permitted, they must remain on leash, at designated roads and campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails, in the backcountry or in the wildflower fields. Do not leave dogs unattended in your vehicles as temperatures can reach lethal levels.

• Use of drones require special permission from individual state park units.

Check the weather

• When planning your trip, check weather conditions. Be prepared and plan for all types of weather.

• Make sure your equipment and clothing are appropriate for the expected weather.

Go prepared

• Bring plenty of food and water. There are often no restaurants, gasoline stations or stores near the bloom areas.

• Drink plenty of water prior to your visit to remain hydrated and avoid heat-related emergencies.

• Outdoor conditions can change quickly, especially in the desert. Bring sunscreen, a hat, layers of clothing and closed-toed shoes to avoid injury.

• Walk at a pace that allows you to talk easily. If you are too out of breath to speak, you are probably working too hard. Take a rest or stop exercising.