Published on Monday, April 09, 2012 02:34 Written by Los Angeles
TravelingMom Fields of gold and orange poppies swaying in the
breeze are a spectacular sight in spring when California’s
landscape blooms with a mosaic of colorful wildflowers and
shrubs. Winter rains determine the intensity and duration of
wildflowers such as poppies, lupine, cream cups and towering
ocotillos. Round up the kids, pack a picnic and bring your
camera. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Masses of
poppies grow in this western Mojave Desert 15 miles west of
Lancaster, a stone’s throw from Los Angeles. Other wildflowers
include owl’s clover, goldfields, and the scented grape soda
lupine found along the Tehachapi Vista Trail. Singing meadow
larks and hawks break the silence of the quiet countryside.
During the wildflower season, the nearby Jane S. Pinheiro
Interpretive Center shows a short video, and offers free guided
tours. Shaded picnic tables available. Seven miles west of the
Poppy Reserve is the Arthur B. Ripley Desert Wood