Where the wild flowers are

Every year around this time (if there is rain) wild flowers bloom in proliferation around Southern California. And every year I forget to go somewhere where I can see them. Most likely, I spent the time slushing around a mountain with melting snow, where the flowers don't show up until later in the year, if at all.

Not this year. Using the excellent wild flower report on the desertusa.com site I am whittling between destinations. The site has regular updates on the status of flowers at Anza-Borrego SP, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and The Mojave National Preserve, as well as anywhere else they hear about (Lake Elsinore looks amazing right now).

Based on their data, I am thinking Joshua Tree is the place to go right now.

Also, check out the Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve web site for updates on when to go see the largest output of California's state flower. Right now, according to the site, the preserve is just starting to have poppies grow, so the peak of the season is yet to come.

Of course, you could stay close to home, and follow SGVN photographer Raul Roa to Turnbull Canyon, which is having a poppy outbreak of its own right now.