A SoCal Social Distancing Escape - Catch the Beautiful Poppies in Bloom
Updated: Nov 8, 2020
Visit Iconic Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve Now In Bloom
Need to unplug?
If you are like me, getting out of the house and enjoying nature is a must. With all that is going on in the world it’s hard to feel safe or comfortable venturing out.
Living in Los Angeles, we are extremely lucky, the weather is beautiful and there is so many natural wonders available to see with only a short drive. One of the iconic beauties you could think about visiting is, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. Though, the park is technically closed, due to the California Stay at home orders, many are still flocking to the park to check out the bloom while in season.
I myself, decided to take the drive to check the Poppy Bloom while ensuring I was obliging to California social distancing rules.
Thinking of going to check out the Famous Poppy Bloom?
Here are the Top 5 Things You Need to Know:
1. It’s Worth The Hype!
I can’t lie, it’s probably more exciting given all of California has been cooped up at home over the last 2 months. However, locked up or not, we can’t deny the beauty of nature.
Also, anyone needing a pick me up, I recommend getting outside anyway. Now add in the powerful bright orange colors of Poppies and you’ll get an instant endorphin rush.
2. Where Can I Find the Poppies?
Located in the hills of Lancaster, CA (about an hour and half drive north-east of Los Angeles), the drive is easy especially given there aren’t many travelers on the road at this time.
The actual Poppy Reserve State Park is located 1/2 miles north of 150th St W & Lancaster Rd, but it is closed to the public.
However, if you follow your GPS to: 15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, CA 93536, there are multiple fields and hills around with blooms covered in orange. Once you get here, you can drive around to view all the poppies or walk along side to capture some photos!
3. Respect the Poppies!
Since this is a natural reserve, you are not supposed to pick or step on the Poppies. This damages the flowers and stops the seeds from spreading.
There have even been citations given to visitors for damaging flowers. So, do you best to respect and preserve this beauty, and don’t step on the blooms.
4. When Should You Go?
Head out soon, the poppy bloom season started at the end of March and typically goes through mid-April, however the poppies should be out through the mid-summer months.
We woke up to see the Poppies at sunrise. This required a 4am wake-up call but you don’t have to do the same. I enjoyed catching the sunrise over the poppies which was a change to all the other poppy photos we saw.
At sunrise, we had the fields and views to ourselves. Perfect for social distancing.
5. Beware!
Closed to the Public: I mentioned, the park is close, so the trails are shutdown, however you can capture the fields and hills from multiple areas outside of the park.
Weather: You'll be heading to the Mojave Desert so the weather can change quickly. If going in the morning, it tends to be cold, however by mid-day you will feel the desert heat. Also, this time of year tends to be pretty windy so be prepared for some gusts!
Allergies: the winds are around and help spread the seeds for plantation but with the winds are a lot of allergens. So if you are allergic to pollens, etc., I'd recommend taking any medications that help with your seasonal allergies.
Citations: I mentioned there have been citations for people whom disrespect the poppies, picking or stepping on them. So do your best to respect and preserve the beauty!
Rattlesnakes: the fields are known to be home of the Mojave Green Rattlesnake. The snakes tend to come out more in the day when it’s hot, which is why we chose to go at daybreak, in the cold, less risk!
Head out, be safe, have fun and enjoy all of California's beauty!!
Please ask questions, share your comments, post videos, photos from your trip to Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve here!