Between February to Mid-May, you can count on seeing the most beautiful flowers California has to offer at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. You can experience the beauty fields of the California Poppy as well as Owl's Clover, Fiddleneck Pygmy-Leaved Lupine, Cream Cups and much more. We recently visited the reserve to see its 18,000 acres and 7 miles of trails. We hiked about 2.25 miles in, 4.5 miles round trip, nevertheless it was still full of beauty and wonder.
The California Poppy was named the state flower in 1903. The poppy fields can be traced in history as far back as the 1700's when Spanish Sailors documented them. They had named them "La Sabanilla de San Pasqual". Other names people have used to describe this gorgeous flower include "Copa de Oro", "Amapola" and "Dormidera". The flower is very smart as it closes up as the sun starts to set or when a cool wind or clouds are present.
Life in the poppy reserve attracts many wild animals, reptiles and birds. During our visit, we saw a baby Rattlesnake, Roadrunner and Desert Spiny Lizard. Staying on the trail is very important to prevent injury to nature and yourself.
This is a desert and you will need to carry lots of water with you. While on our hike we consumed at least one bottle of water per adult. You should wear good hiking or athletic shoes, bring sunscreen, sun glasses and a hat to protect yourself from the elements. To find the best spot for lush flowers, you will have to walk a distance. You should be able to walk a minimum of (2) miles to experience a little of the beauty. There are varying degree of trail slopes with terrain from compacted desert dirt to loose gravel at the higher elevations. The Reserve has 5 Vista Points for viewing including the highest peak, Antelope Butte Vista Point, at an elevation of 3,027 feet above sea level.
There are several rules you should know before visiting the reserve. Pets of any kind are prohibited in the reserve. Please leave your pets at home as the extreme desert conditions can make it too hot to leave your pet in the vehicle. Picking the flowers is against the law as they are protected by the state. The front gate is the ONLY entrance. Do not walk through the fields! There is absolutely no smoking or eating while on the trails. Keep trash with you and dispose of it in a trash can near the restrooms. There is absolutely no flying drones over the reserve to protect the native birds. Scattering the ashes of your loved ones is not allowed without a permit. Student, Commercial or For Profit photography and video recording requires a permit from the State of California Parks. There are State of California park rangers driving, hiking and monitoring the visitors. Violations of any of these rules can and will be enforced with a fine starting at $250.00 per violation. For more information on permits, please check in or call the visitor center at 661-724-1180 or visiting www.parks.ca.gov.
You can see these beautiful California Poppy fields at 15101 West Lancaster Road, Lancaster, CA 93536.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
You can see these beautiful California Poppy fields at 15101 West Lancaster Road, Lancaster, CA 93536.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
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