Southern California Day Trips

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve is open year round your but is most visited during poppy season, March through May. April and May are usually the best viewing months depending on how much rain the fields get. There are eight miles of trails to explore at the poppy reserve, all with views of the flowers. While you are out visiting you might also see some of the native wildlife: hawks, meadow larks, and lizards and snakes all seem to enjoy the sea of color as much as the human visitors do. Shaded picnic tables are available so consider packing a picnic lunch for your day trip, With the exception of service dogs, pets are prohibited from the reserve. Under California state law, visitors are also prohibited from taking flowers away from the reserve. California poppies grow all over the Antelope Valley. The preserve is a great place to find them but if you do a little exploring you can find some wonderful un crowded areas of wild flowers. Bring your camera, comfortable shoes and clothing and remember it can often be windy in the Antelope Valley.
California poppy Reserve
The Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center, offering a short video, wildlife and plant displays and gift shop, is open daily during the wildflower season. Before you enter the reserve there are a few rules you need to know. Do not pick the flowers they are all protected. Stay on the trails to avoid crusting the flowers and stepping on a rattle snake. There is a per vehicle parking fee so fill up the car with the whole family. There are some parking spots along the main road if you don't mid walking. The preserve can get really crowded at the weekend so arrive early. Update: Due to state-wide budget cuts, the park is closed to vehicle traffic during the off season but access was still available for walk-ins. The park will be open to vehicles from March 1 until May 31 or the end of the wildflower season. Call (661) 724-1180 for recorded wild flower updates.
California Poppy reserve entrance
California Wild Flowers
Directions: From Highway 14: Take the Avenue I exit and head west 15 miles. Avenue I becomes Lancaster Road. From I-5: Take Hwy 138 east and turn right on 170th Street West. Make a left at the end, onto Lancaster Road. Follow the road two miles. Latitude/Longitude: 34º40.661 N, 117º49.645 W It can get quite windy and also very hot at the preserve check the weather forecast before you take your trip. For best viewing, make sure to pick a sunny, windless day.
 
 
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