Nature’s Masterpiece

Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat. This State Natural Reserve is located on California’s most consistent poppy-bearing land. The duration and intensity of colors and scents vary from year to year. The wildflower season generally lasts from mid-February through May, with a variety of wildflowers creating a mosaic of color that changes daily. Eight miles of trails through the gently rolling hills, including a paved section for wheelchair access, make the park a wonderful place to hike and explore any season.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Located less than a two-hour drive north of La Mirada is the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve—a more than 1,700-acre park of poppy-blanketed hills. The Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center is open March 1st through Mother’s Day, with wildflower and wildlife exhibits, an orientation video, a gallery of Jane’s botanical watercolor paintings, and a gift shop benefiting the non-profit association.

Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore
About an hour east is Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore. It is home of one of the largest poppy super blooms in Southern California. The fields of Lake Elsinore along the popular Walker Canyon Trail, a 3.5 mile round trip, are typically covered in orange poppies for as far as the eye can see.

Chino Hills State Park
For a shorter drive, take a look at Chino Hills State Park. It may not achieve full-blown superbloom status, but small patches of poppies typically line some of the dirt trails over rolling green hills, with ribbons of yellow flowers lining ridges and snow-capped mountains visible in the distance.

Click here to learn more about the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve.