Some of the most spectacular displays of wildflowers in Southern California can be seen in the desert. The wildflower season, in such places as Palm Springs and Death Valley, begins in the lowest elevations in February and extends into early summer in the mountains. Here’s your guide to the best places to see wildflowers in the California desert.
Where To See Wildflowers In The California Desert
Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs
Winter showers brings spring flowers to the Anza Borrego Desert State Park when there are slow-moving storms that hang over the desert for several days, including overcast skies, cool temperatures, and light or little wind. Plan your visit to observe the wildflowers in Borrego Springs between February and April. Here you will see various species including Parish’s Poppy, Hairy Desert-Sunflower, Desert Lily, Sand Verbena, Dune Evening Primrose, Indigo Bush and others.
Coachella Valley Wildlife Festival, Palm Desert
Between Febrary and April, the desert comes alive with the vibrancy of spring as the wildflowers bloom and transform the Coachella Valley into a colorful canvas. The best place to celebrate the wildflower season is at the Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival, which is held in March every year at the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert.
credit: palm-desert.org