antelope valley california poppy reserve

SanMo

So cool. Like an acid flashback but these colors are real. I got here probably 2-3 weeks early but it was still overwhelming. Seriously considering a return trip. (no pun intended) to get more colors. Pull off the highway if you're on the 14 and check it out. Take 15 minutes for some way cool poppies and color.

zoe1mom

Albeit a while since a great year, this one is starting out nicely and if you have not come to see the poppies previously, the rain is giving us a beautiful view. The walks are lovely and the drive to and from worth going a bit in both directions.

Doozer2015

The poppies should be at maximum bloom in about a week! With the recent rains the wild flowers will be spectacular this year... don'the miss one of California's natural wonders!

photoguy66degrees

For those interested in seeing the California Poppy fields this year, it appears that sufficient rain has occurred in the past several months along with rain falling now and over the next few days to create one of the best poppy blooms in a number of years. The California Poppy Preserve, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627, will open in a week from now and blooms are expected to be in large areas of not only the park but in areas from Gorman, off I-5 and down the north side of the Grapevine, and east along CA138.Finally, it has been a long time coming for a decent poppy blooms. Stunning to see the fields and photograph the poppies!

Graceracer

If it's a good poppy year it is really something to see. Great place to take photos. There is a small welcome center/gift shop but nothing else but open space. Very relaxing. Call ahead to see how the poppys are. Some years there aren't many so it can be disappointing. On a good year it is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth seeing. Keep your eyes open. There are rattle snakes in this area. It is not far from the town so, if you don't want to bring lunch and picnic, it a short drive (I think 20-30min) to fast food and restaurants.

702dianel

This is a great place to take a hike and stretch your legs. The paths are well kept and are easy to walk on. They even have a path for handicap persons. They also have picnic tables and benches along the pathways. Some of the views are breath taking when the poppies are in full bloom. A camera is a must since there are so many photography opportunities to be had!

360mitchl

Poppy season is in the spring...And you will have a show of not only poppies but Lupin and other lovely desert beauties.The Lancaster Poppy Reserve is a great place to go you get a good view from the higher elevationand the info is very educational. Best to go on a weekday not so crowded and once you leave the reserve it's nice to dive along the 138 or also known as Ave. D. The thing you have to remember if it's warm there are snakes so, you have to pay attention where your stepping and if it's windy they won't open. It is wonderful experience so, pack a lunch and bring a camera or iPad what ever you use for photos and snap away. Don't forget sunglasses the orange color is intense.

sidneyg2013

High desert vegetation with colorful poppies makes for a nice walk along trails for 1-3 hours. Reserve also has a small museum and gift shop as well as snacks and bathroom. If you just want to take a selfie with poppies, we can stop at many places on the road to the reserve to do that without having to pay the admission charge to the reserve.

Kalamariverrat

We have visited the poppy fields in this area many times over the past 2 decades. Most recent visit was not so spectacular, because of the drought, but every one should take the chance in spring to see this natural wonder.

hsosner

When there has been a good rainy season, the Poppy Reserve is the BEST place to see them. I've lived near the Reserve for 11 years and Im always amazed at how beautiful the flowers are. If it not a windy day the best time is from 10am to 3pm.

TJC2013

The poppy reserve is the home to "The wizard of Oz" which shot the famous sleeping poppy fields here. A must in April/May each year, the poppies are the CA state flower and only come out in spring. Photographers from nearby states, scramble every year to take the best photos of the rare poppy, and some years of drought make them even more scarce. I suggest going West on Avenue I (off the 14 freeway) until you reach 100th street west or so.... pull over just about anywhere in the region for photos in the vivid colors of spring. Visit the official Poppy Reserve park, and see trails and sitting areas in the huge park. I love to take my kids every year, put them in the center of a good patch, and shoot annual poppy pics! You will not see orange and pink colors like this in any other field! One hour north of Los Angeles, it's worth a drive.

Eancheta

You should at least see the poppies in bloom once in your lifetime, if you can. It's a gift from the environment - but only in the spring especially after a wet winter.

KarenC815

California is in the midst of a severe draught. When we have rain in Feb/Mar, we have poppies in April/May. Last really beautiful year was 2010. Since then, the poppies have been sparce. You can see more poppies and giant lupines on the roadsides or private fields than at the poppy reserve. That said, the volunteers at the poppy reserve are knowledegable. The gift shop has unique, poppy-themed items. If it rains this year, come on out!

bethfeli

Come at around mid April, they are so beautiful. For the last 3 years they are not much of the flowers due to the changes of weather, as shown in the picture. But If you are in a right timing.. they are so amazing . between 8am to 9am they bloom so beautiful.

cst2cst151

Miles of beautiful poppy flowers everywhere! I have to say, though, there were more poppies along the side of the road on the way to the preserve that we actually saw at the preserve! Many people were just having a picnic on the side of the road. It is worth the road trip to see. They have a great website to keep you posted on the best time to visit.