Anza-Borrego’s “wildflower frenzy” has arrived – Updated 02/25/2010
Ocotillo on the way to Villager Peak
Every year around this time, people start wanting to know if the wildflowers in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park have started blooming yet. After all, much of the park is about a 2-hour drive from most of the county and people want to know if the drive for a day-trip will be fruitful.
From what I understand, the bloom is about to be upon us. We are expecting some more rain in the park on Saturday, but the weather report indicated that Sunday, February 28th will be beautiful.
The bloom is starting right now, with a great amount in the coming week or so and should last in various forms until April. Reserve your lodging as soon as possible, since March tends to be the park’s busiest month.
The website that I always check is the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA). They regularly update their observations of the wildflower bloom situation and include recent pictures and descriptions, as well as current locations of blooming flowers.
Another resource is the Wildflower Telephone Hotline at 760-767-4684.
If you head out there, be prepared for wide weather and temperature fluctuations, lots of wind, bring plenty of water, and make sure your vehicle is sufficiently fueled, for the service stations can be few and far between.
I am not sure if I am going to be able to get out there for the peak of the blooming, but I hope you do.
Update 02/25/2010: The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park page updated their information about the Wildflowers and included a map. Scroll to the bottom and click on the PDF, or you can get it below:
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Wildflower Map (PDF – 1.71MB)
Thanks for the tips! I was out in Anza Borrego for the first time last fall, and I would love to check it out again when the wildflowers bloom. I’ll be checking their website and plan a trip out there
I have a confession.
I have never been a “desert person” (whatever that is). I just didn’t see the attraction of dust, dirt and heat.
That all changed after I spent a weekend in Anza Borrego last November. We scrambled over boulders at Piedras Grande, hiked up slot canyons and explored mud caves. AB is an amazing, beautiful and multi-faceted place that surprised me.
I’m looking forward to returning during this year’s spring bloom. Thanks for the reminder and the link!
I really want to get out there for this. Might be a good time to try the new old-guy tent. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for the comments.
I first went out there when I was 13 or 14. I remember my amazement when, after hiking a while in the desert, to turn a corner in a canyon and see a bunch of palm trees and hear trickling water.
I’ve been a “desert person” for a while (and a beach, snow, river, and forest person). I cannot get enough of Anza-Borrego.
Went out to Arroyo Salado on Saturday Feb.20 and found some open bloomed desert lilies and a few ocotillo blooms. Saw lots of buds all over the dessert floor on cactus and plants and know that this year will be a banner bloom!
Hooray!
Very cool, and that was still pretty early yet. I am working on a plan to get out there over the next couple of weeks.