| Objective: Experience a Poppy Super Bloom Where: Antelope Valley, California When: March to April |
A super bloom is a rare botanical phenomenon where golden poppies bloom at the same time. There is nothing more magical than witnessing one of California’s treasures transform barren hillsides into glowing orange botanical spectacles. It is like watching a drab black and white movie turn into a technicolor blockbuster. The golden wildflower fields come alive and explode with vibrant colors.
Poppy super bloom | Protect what you love | Plan Your Visit
Will there be a super bloom this spring?
Super blooms are rare events that require the perfect alignment of a number conditions. First, the soil must collect a high amount of dormant wildflower seeds. Second, the area should have hot dry summers and mild wet winters. Next, So-Cal needs to be in an El Niño year with heavy rainfall from an atmospheric river. Finally, seeds won’t sprout with too much or too little water and temperatures can’t be too hot or cold.
Because of nonstop drought, super blooms occur once a decade, but with climate change, they are becoming even more unpredictable.
Protect what you love
If you are lucky enough to experience a super bloom, respect nature so others can enjoy blooms in the future. Stay on the trail since trampling on flowers damages seed production. You can still get great selfies without harming them. Don’t land a helicopter in the middle of a poppy field like the entitled morons who did so in 2019. Follow the rules of the preserve and avoid blocking roads or hopping over barbed-wire fences. Also, watch out for rattlesnakes, which are most active in daytime when it’s warm.
Plan Your Visit
For a real-time view of the poppy bloom, check out the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve’s live camera feed. Before the entrance, throngs of cars wait in line for the legendary show. At the preserve, there are about 8.5 miles of trails you can explore.
| Location: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Hours: Sunrise to sunset Parking: $10 per vehicle |
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