View the Colorful California Poppy Super Bloom of Antelope Valley
The California Orange Poppy is the official California State Flower. For only a few weeks a year, Antelope Valley’s 1,745 acres of rolling mountains turn vibrant orange with the California Poppy super bloom. In this post, I’ll give you the details you need to visit this majestic spectacle.
Getting There
Map yourself to the Antelope Valley Visitor Center, where you’ll find a parking lot with toilets and a few different trails.
The Reserve is a California State Park and has an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle.
Once you park, it’s free to visit the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve from sunrise to sunset.
Tip: The poppy’s bloom all over this valley. If you are on a budget just head out to this area and pull over almost anywhere to see the bloom for free. Try to stay on path’s when you are viewing the poppy’s so you don’t trample them.
When to Go
The poppy super bloom peak season is Mid-March to late April/May, check the internet for exact dates, they vary based on weather conditions from year to year. The State Park website has a livecam and news on the bloom so you can check there.
Weekends are crazy busy since the bloom only happens for a short period of time, so if you can make it on a weekday it’d be ideal for easier parking and less crowds.
Hiking or Wandering Around the SuperBloom
You can hike around the reserve to view the flowers, the longer you hike the less crowded it becomes.
There are two trails:
Antelope Loop Trail: 5.5 miles
North Loop, Antelope Butte and Lightning Bolt Loop: 3.6 miles
Photography Tip
Take photos from a low vantage point on the walking or hiking paths so it appears you’re among the flowers without trampling them. Its good practice stay off the flowers because of the high traffic so they can thrive and everyone can enjoy them.
I hope you get the chance to go enjoy this amazing sight!
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