One Of The Best California Destinations To Visit In Spring For Stunning Wildflower Scenery

There are few activities more delightful than traversing through a field of colorful wildflowers on a warm spring day. As the days grow longer and nature begins to wake up from her winter slumber, many people around the United States begin to look forward to a season filled with outdoor adventures. There's no better way to shake off the winter blues than by setting off in search of spring blooms. California's Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve is one of the best spots around the world to see beautiful spring flowers.

If you're active on social media, chances are you've stumbled upon images of rolling hills covered in orange blossoms. The flowers are Eschscholzia californica, commonly known as California poppies. The brightly hued blooms are undeniably Instagrammable, and each spring hordes of influencers descend on the flower fields in the hopes of capturing the perfect pose amongst the poppies. It isn't just social media stars who adore the wildflower season in California. Photographers and nature enthusiasts from all over the world enjoy visiting the Golden State each spring.

The lovely flowers have become synonymous with springtime in California and were designated as the official state flower in 1903. They are native to the northwestern United States from Western Oregon to Baja, California, but are cultivated in gardens around the world. Californians cherish their wildflowers, and celebrate California Poppy Day on April 8 each year. If you drive through country roads in California you'll likely see the poppies growing wild, but if you really want to immerse yourself in their awe-inspiring beauty, head straight to Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve.

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve is a State Natural Reserve nestled in the Mojave Desert near the city of Lancaster. It's only about two hours from downtown Los Angeles and falls within Los Angeles County. The reserve sits at an elevation of 2,600-3,000 feet, and the high desert ecosystem allows flowers to flourish. The region is known for offering consistent California poppy blooms, but poppies aren't the only flower that thrives there. The landscape is a rainbow of colors created by about 15 species of wildflowers. Purple owl's clover, yellow goldfield, and white cream cups are just a few flower species that you might spot during your visit

The reserve is open year round, but spring is when you'll see the most flowers. For peak blooms consider visiting in March and April. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. California poppies close their petals each night and open throughout the day as the sun hits them, so you'll want to time your visit properly to see them at their most magnificent. 

The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve is a budget-friendly SoCal destination if you're looking for fun things to do that won't break the bank. The cost to enter is just $10 per car so it pays to carpool! The entrance fee for large vehicles with more than nine passengers starts at $50. The reserve covers more than 1,700 acres and there are eight miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore. The walking paths wind through the flowers and up and down the winding hills. Paved areas are wheelchair-accessible and there are plenty of benches to pause and enjoy the views along the way.

There are a few important rules to keep in mind during your visit to Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. It's crucial that visitors stick to the designated trails and do not stray off path. Walking off path will likely disturb or destroy other wildflowers and have negative impacts on the following year's growth. It's also a good safety precaution because there are rattlesnakes throughout the area and you might not be able to clearly see them if you're off the cleared pathways. If you do see a snake, just give it some space to move out of the way. It will rattle to warn you of its presence if it feels threatened. While it may be tempting to pick a particularly beautiful flower, you must resist the urge. It's one of America's most Instagrammable flower fields, but photos are the only thing you should take with you when you depart. 

Sadly, your four-legged family members are going to have to sit this one out. Dogs are not permitted within the reserve with the exception of service animals. You are also not allowed to leave your dog unattended in your vehicle during your visit as the desert heat can become dangerous for them. Drones are prohibited throughout the preserve.

Strong winds are common, especially during the spring so it might be a good idea to dress in layers and bring along a windbreaker. If you're wearing a hat, make sure it has some type of tether so it doesn't blow away. You'll also want to pack plenty of water, as the dry desert air can quickly dehydrate your body. The California State Parks website recommends bringing double what you think you'll need.