There are “super blooms” again this year with all of the rain…
Photograph: Shutterstock
Plan a bloom-centric spring getaway to these stunning places bursting with wildflowers in the U.S.
Sometimes it feels like winter might last forever. It certainly doesn’t help when Punxsutawney Phil predicts another six weeks of it. But as soon as spring does show its face, suddenly everything seems just a little bit easier to deal with. All across the U.S., as temps rise and rains start to let up, the beginnings of beautiful blooms start to sprout with abandon. If you’re thinking about a road trip or a quick jaunt to somewhere warm and colorful, here are the best places to see wildflowers in the U.S.
From massive blooms in the hills and valleys of Southern California to under-the-radar meadows in a small Colorado ski town, the displays of color are almost other-worldly. Poppies, lupines, violets, black-eyed Susans and so many more mingle in explosions of color. While some blooms peak in the spring, some don’t pop up until summer. Most destinations offer handy wildflower trackers so you can time your visits perfectly. Combine a scenic hike with wildflower viewing and you’re guaranteed a fresh air fiesta.
Where to see wildflowers in the US
Photograph: Courtesy Pacific Southwest Region USFWS
1. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA
When to go: January–March
What to see: After a particularly wet winter in 2016–2017 brought a superbloom that caused Anza-Borrego Desert to go viral, the state park is still at the top of our list for wildflowers. Though the first half of this year’s winter was a dry one in California, a visit to this SoCal desert might come with pops of desert gold poppies, phacelia, and a variety of tiny belly flowers. As for where to see them, each canyon—Borrego Palm Canyon, Henderson Canyon Road and Coyote Canyon—offers different varieties.
2. Shenandoah National Park, VA
When to go: Late March
What you’ll see: If you want rushing waterfalls and scenic backcountry camping along with your wildflowers, then look no further than Shenandoah National Park. A trip along gold-view-guaranteed Skyline Drive makes for the perfect intro to the wildflower scene—a wash of bloodroot, trillium, violets, geraniums, and pink lady slippers—before you set off to explore some of the 500 miles of trails mapping the wilderness.
3. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, CA
When to go: Mid-March to late-April
What you’ll see: Poppies are beautiful when they cover the desert hillsides in orange flowers. But poppies are also fickle. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve can only expect a moderate poppy season if there’s too much rain. Too dry? Not a great bloom either. But that doesn’t mean you won’t see other wildflowers. Peak poppy season is late March to mid-April—a short window to catch the blooms at their height.
3. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, CA
When to go: Mid-March to late-April
What you’ll see: Poppies are beautiful when they cover the desert hillsides in orange flowers. But poppies are also fickle. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve can only expect a moderate poppy season if there’s too much rain. Too dry? Not a great bloom either. But that doesn’t mean you won’t see other wildflowers. Peak poppy season is late March to mid-April—a short window to catch the blooms at their height.