Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (SNR)

During the spring, especially when there is a superbloom, this is a place you will not want to miss. The vast, brilliant expanses of California Poppies are truly spectacular, and are frequently described as “mind-blowing.” There are 8 miles of trails, which wind through the poppies and other wildflowers, including goldfields, cream cups, lupine, owl’s clover, and coreopsis. The immersive, Technicolor views are spectacular.

The blooms can happen any time between March and May, so check the Reserve’s Facebook page or call the Hotline: 661-724-1180. Try to go on a warm, sunny day when the poppies are fully open, and ideally on a weekday. There is a shaded picnic table area and lots of benches. Also, the Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center is a great place to visit.

Details

Location

½ mile north of the intersection of 150th St W and Lancaster Road, Lancaster

Managed By

California State Parks

Website(s)

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627

Distance from UCSB

114 miles

How To Get There

Drive

Things To Do

Birdwatching, Hiking, Picnicking, Relaxing, Viewing (flowers!, scenic), Walking

Fun Facts

This extraordinary Poppy Preserve exists because of Jane Pinheiro and other dedicated citizens. Purchasing the land even involved enthusiastic fundraising from school children (“Pennies for Poppies”). On the information-filled website for the Poppy Reserve Mojave Desert Interpretive Association, there are many wonderful links describing the Reserve’s inspirational history, including "Story of a Dream" and "The Great Poppy Lady."

In 1903, the California Poppy was officially designated the State flower.

Other Information

There is a quick and informative video tour of the Poppy Reserve produced by California State Parks.

This destination has accessible features; to review, click here.

Also, check out the Live Poppy Cam.

Nearby Public Lands Worth Visiting

After visiting the Poppy Reserve, consider going 7 miles west to the Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park, which features a protected, special natural area of California juniper trees and Joshua trees. Before ranching, farming, and other activities, this woodland habitat once thrived throughout the Antelope Valley.

Best Time To Visit

Spring