annabelle2

I'm in the South Bay area this week taking care of my elderly Mom. Another family member and I were hoping to go to Anza Borrega for the wildflower "super bloom" but it's too far away for the time we have. Any suggestions for something in the LA area? We'd drive up or down the coast or inland a bit. Thanks for any tips!

MmePerdu

http://www.visitcalifornia.com/attra...lower-forecast

nanabee

http://www.npr.org/2017/03/17/520496...o-a-wet-winter

nanabee

You need to go while they are in bloom which depending on the type of flowers only bloom for a certain period.

Right now is a good time to go to see the blooms - but just realize the traffic is horrific - something that can't be helped. But it is advised to go early in the morning then leave early in the day to avoid the crowds.

nanabee

BTW The desert flowers are not in the LA area but east of LA in the desert areas.

>>These were just a few of the many people flocking to see the colors blanketing the hills and valleys of Anza-Borrego. It is California's largest state park, in the desert south of Palm Springs, a nearly four-hour car drive from Los Angeles.

Visitors are coming from as far as Europe, Africa and Asia. This super bloom is so rare, so special, that looky-loos are causing traffic jams, getting lost in the hillsides and fainting from dehydration — just to take in the beauty.>>

mlgb

If you can go during the week rather than the weekend, that's what I'd do. If you want to try for desert flowers it's going to be at least two hours each way. But a little closer in you can find the California poppies are starting to bloom You an try the Malibu area, the Antelope Valley or the Santa Rosa Plateau area in the inland Empire. With traffic it's still going to take you a while.

I was just out in Hemet at Diamond Valley Lake. There are also poppies blooming around Elsinore, check out some of the photos on this website. Maybe you can make a real early start out to that direction one weekday. Be sure to call about the hours for the seasonal flower trail if you go there.

http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca.html

Info on Diamond Valley Lake (may be the seasonal flower trail is not open Monday-Tuesda)

http://www.dvlake.com/

annabelle2

Thanks for the information and links, guys. I had hoped we could go to Anza Borrega, but we may not have time. We're familiar with Southern California but not the best wildflower places, so I appreciate the tips. I live in the Tahoe area and we're desperate for spring after the mega winter...

MmePerdu

Guided wildflower walks at the South Yuba River State Park are very popular in my neck of the woods in the foothills east of you, probably not mobbed as So. CA seems to be, and closer:

https://yubanet.com/regional/2017-wi...iver-march-11/

annabelle2

By the way I highly recommend the two Sierra wildflower hikes in your link, MmePerdu. This year there's so much snow, however, that the timing may be much later.

MmePerdu

Annabelle, the Bridgeport sector of the park where the South Yuba walks take place are near Penn Valley where there's rarely, if ever, any snow. The announcement is current.

Jean

Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve is worth the drive.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627

Less spectacular but closer, and perhaps a little too early, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Pt. Mugu State Park, Malibu Creek State Park.

https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/...ia-wildflowers

annabelle2

Mme Perdu, I think we were posting at the same time! Yes, I love that Buttermilk Trail above the Yuba River; it is absolutely gorgeous. I try to get there every March or April. The ones mentioned in your link that may have snow late this year are the Carson Pass hike (have you done that? It's incredible, but it's a later summer hike due to the elevation/snowpack) and the Sage Hen Creek trail right out of Truckee. The camas lilies create a brilliant blue carpet that's pretty special...