Category Archives: Wildflowers

Trinity Alps Wilderness

NorCal Mountains – Trinity Alps Wilderness

Sapphire Lake -- Suicide Ridge -- Trinity Alps

525,627 acres

North of Weaverville & Lewiston, about 10 miles
West of Trinity Lake & Redding, CA
Headwaters of the Trinity River & the Salmon River

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Thompson Peak – 9002′ elevation
Trinity Mountain – 6094′
Granite Peak – 8091′

Trinity is NorCal’s jewel of alpine lakes and granite peaks – many above 8000′ elevation, about 40 miles inland from the ocean. Trinity is located in between the infamous redwood coast and the I-5 corridor. Rivers, creeks, lakes, and trails into the high elevations regions, bqckpackers and equestrian campers alike.

trinityalps_lgHiking trailheads are accessed from all sides -On the east side you have Trinity Lake & Trinity River w/ Highway 3 running lengthwise in a north-south direction. Hwy 299 runs east-west along the south side of the wilderness. Klamath River Hwy 96 lies on the west side of the wilderness. Salmon River, Scott Mountains and Cecilville are north of the alps.

Both the small Russian Wilderness & the larger Marble Mountain Wilderness are located to the north of Trinity Alps, along with rural towns near the Scott Mountains and the Salmon River. Castle Crags Wilderness is to the eastern side, near Interstate 5.

towns nearby –

camp

Campgrounds near Trinity Alps Wilderness

hike

Trinity Alps Trailheads

lake

Waterfalls & Lakes near Trinity

NFS


View Larger Map

The mountainous area is quite unique, as exposed granite mountain peaks and alpine lakes are pretty rare in the coastal Cascade ranges. The only other spot in California that has an 8000′ peak nearing the coast is just north of Los Angeles – Los Padres’s Mount Abel & Mount Pinos peaks, both over 8000′ in elevation.

TRINITY ALPS TOPO MAP

camp

The USDA map for Trinity Alps Wilderness was outta print for nearly 2 years and it has recently been updated and reprinted. New edition released in 2013 and now available at the Total Escape map store. Printed on waterproof map paper and updated in 2012.

Northern California Wildflowers

Wildflowers of Northern California

flora blooms first in lower elevations; summer for high elevations

Lupine Oroville
Lupine of Table Mountain, Oroville, CA

Chico Area

North Table Mountain via Cherokee Road – N of Oroville, CA
the epic volcanic tablelands of Butte County.

Upper Bidwell Park, Chico, CA

Black Butte Lake, West of Chico, CA
On the west side of Interstate 5. Campgrounds, boating, wildflowers and hiking trails.

Clear Lake Area

Bear Valley Road (long dirt road) which connects Hwy 20 to Stonyford. Look for small dirt road turn off (north) off of Highway 20. NE of Clear Lake, CA

BLM Glen Eden Trail
Lakeport @ Clear Lake, CA
w/ California Fawn Lilies and camping

    • Mayacamas Campground
    • Goat Rock Campground

Highway 20 – West of Interstate 5 @ Williams, CA

West of Winters, CA

Lake Berryessa

Valley Vista Regional Park
Rumsey on Hwy 16

fiddlenecks
Fiddlenecks
Wilbur Hot Springs Area
Wilbur Hot Springs Area

NPS

Lassen Peak Trail
in Lassen Volcanic National Park 
(opens in June, after snow melts and highway is cleared)

Lassen Peak Trail

Mill Creek, California
Giant, curly lupine on a big creek, just south of Lassen National Park. Park along Hwy 172 on the east side, about a mile before the Mill Creek Resort and hike along creek to find large lupine. Great picnic area.

Curly Lupine
Curly Lupine @ Mill Creek, CA

wildfire note:
burn scars are excellent spots to find wild flowers

North Sierra Nevada Mountains

Bald Rock Road Loop, Berry Creek, CA
Granite dome above Lake Oroville SRA
Hiking trailhead, Scenic drive loop. Lupine, poppies, monkey flower, dogwoods. Wildflower drive through a recently burnt forest (2020) #BearFire

Buttermilk Bend in South Yuba River State Park
southyubariverstatepark.org

Green Suspension Bridge (Bidwell Bar)
Lake Oroville SRA @ Hwy 162
April 2021 photo

Windy Point
East of Colfax, CA
off of Iowa Hill Road @ American River
April 2021 photo

wildflower

Sacramento Area

Folsom Point @ Folsom Lake
east of Sacramento
May 2021 photo

Marshall Gold Discovery
State Historic Park
Highway 49
Coloma, CA

Stebbins Cold Canyon Natural Reserve
UC Davis

58 counties
58 Counties in Calif

San Francisco Bay Area

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Somerville Road, Antioch, CA

Briones Regional Park, Bear Creek Staging Area
Lafayette, CA

Coyote Hills Regional Park
Fremont, CA

Jepson Prairie Preserve
Dixon, CA

Mix Canyon Road, Vacaville, CA
Solano County

Mount Diablo State Park
(925) 837-2525

Rancho San Antonio County Park
Cupertino, CA

Rockville Hills Regional Park
Fairfield, CA

Stevens Creek County Park
Cupertino, CA

Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
San Ramon, CA

Tassajara Ridge Trail
San Ramon, CA

Wilder Ranch
Santa Cruz, CA

butterfly

The North State

Castle Crags Wilderness
Interstate 5, North of Lake Shasta

Ferry Point, Klamath River Highway 96
Happy Camp, CA

Hiking Trails @ Greenhorn Park
Yreka, CA

Garden Gulch Hiking Trails
Weaverville, CA

Lava Beds National Monument

Marble Mountain Wilderness
PDF brochure on wildflowers USFS

Smith River National Recreation Area
Gasquet, CA

South Gate Meadow, Mount Shasta

alex valley

North Redwoods Coast

Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Trinidad, CA

Mendocino Headlands State Park
Mendocino, CA

Wine Country, Northern California

Alexander Valley Road
Healdsburg @ Napa County, CA

Highway 128 Scenic Drive
Yolo County @ Lake Berryessa, CA
westward drive to Napa & Sonoma
ending at US Hwy 101 (or continue to coast)

Moore Creek Park
St Helena @ Napa County, CA

Poppy Field with Oaks
Alexander Valley Rd, Napa County

Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa Downtown Poppies @ Rail Road

Wildflower Century Ride

Butte County Bicycle Ride
Chico Wildflower Century Ride

Bike riders can enjoy the hilly Wildcat 100 & 125, the traditional Wildflower 100 & 65, the Flatflower 60 & 30, and the Childflower 12. Wildfest pre-ride party.

Annual event: April

Chico, CA

wildflowercentury.org

IMG_1625L Chico Velo cycling club

California Central Coast Bike Event:
San Luis Obispo County also has a cycling race / ride called the Wildflower Century SLOBC held in March

wildflower

califrepublic

Sierra Canyon Wildflowers

florasierra

Sierra Nevada
mountain wildflowers in California

West facing canyons of the Sierra Nevada mountain range are prime spots for wild flora, especially in Springtime. Lots of rain means a great show can usually be found. Rivers exit the mountains and carve deep into the landscape. Lush green hills, oaks, boulders. Perfect picnic spots everywhere.

wildflowers bloom: March – July
make a whole day of it

Lower elevations bloom first in the year. Remember if the Central Valley is blooming fruit trees, the mountain foothills are starting up too. Mid-elevations, above 3000′ bloom in summer months, but below that – plenty of river canyons and reservoirs are superb locations to search for wild flowers.

High Sierra wildflowers start to bloom after the snow melt (and roads open) usually JUNE – JULY

Orchards Blooming San Joaquin Valley
Orchards Blooming, San Joaquin Valley, California

The steep Eastern Sierra canyons near US 395, do have some wildflowers in Spring. Rocky, higher elevations bloom in mid-summer. And what Eastern Sierra may lack in wildflowers, they make up for in Autumn Colors (best in the state)

Kern Spring Wildflowers

Finding Wild Flowers:

BACK ROADSwildflower
CREEKS / STREAMS
FAULT LINES (earthquake)
LAKES & RESERVOIRS
MOUNTAIN MEADOWS
OAK FOOTHILLS
OLD RAILROADS TRACKS
RIDGE LINES
RURAL HIGHWAYS
RIVER CANYONS
STATE PARKS

Discover more with
Total Escape’s online
Sierra Nevada GoogleMap

Sierra Nevada Map

58 counties

Sierra Nevada locations
to see Wild Flowers

listed from south to north

Kern County

One of the premiere counties for wildflowers inside California. Kern offers amazing displays (blankets of flowers) along roadways, on hillsides, and in the numerous canyons.

Obvious I-5

Interstate 5 – from the Grapevine up past Tejon Ranch, and over to Gorman is epic blooms of poppy and lupine. Annually in April  and only if the previous winter was wet or snowy. For safety sake, please exit the freeway to view the flowers!

The famous high desert Poppy Preserve is located off of I-5, east on Hwy 138, way before the town of Lancaster, CA

poppy icon

But all this mentioned above is not technically the Sierra Nevada mountains, so we will move on…

CALIENTE ROAD

Bodfish-Caliente Road

Off of Hwy 58 west (below Tehachapi) Often called Caliente exit, or Caliente Creek Road – the Bodfish-Caliente Road is a narrow, paved, back road that connects Highway 58 to the Lake Isabella area.

Driving this countryside route is long and curvy, but there are numerous pull-outs and places to see wild flora. Plan for half a day to reach Hwy 178. Gold Pan Canyon and rolling oak hills. Dirt roads lead into National Forests, but watch for private property and no trespassing signs. NOTE: You may need to stop the car. Get out and walk around to find these little beauties.

Historic Havilah has an old schoolhouse and a museum.

Caliente Flowers
Baby Blue Eyes – Caliente Rd

 

butterfly

Kern River Canyon

Kern Wildflowers
Kern Wildflowers, North of Kernville, CA

Kings River canyons

Poppies Sierra Nevada

wildflower

Sequoia Foothills

Lewis Hill Preserve
(559) 738-0211
Along N Plano Street. North of Porterville, CA
NOTE: Lewis Hill Preserve is not open to the public except for special tours and events.

Lake Kaweah @ Three Rivers, CA
south of Sequoia National Park has wildflower displays along the lake shore, and with snow capped mountains in the background, it can make for excellent photos.

Sequoia Road J21 – HOMER RANCH
Dirt back road on the north side of the Lake Kawaeah which connects to Sequoia National Park (the long way). Dry Creek Preserve, McKee Canyon, Ragle Canyon, Indian Canyon. Homer Ranch Preserve, open to the public weekends only, from November 1st – June 1st

califrepublic

Calif Gold Country
Foothills & River Canyons

fencesitters

American River Canyon – Hwy 49, South of Auburn, CA

Consumes River – East of Coloma, CA

Lake Oroville SRA @ Hwy 162
Bidwell Bar – Green Suspension Bridge

Mariposa County routes & wildflowers

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park:
Picnic & hiking in spring @ Coloma
Monroe Ridge Trail

Golden poppies along Gold Country Highway 49

Merced River BLM Briceberg, CA

Natural Bridges Trailhead @ Coyote Creek
Foot trail off of Parrotts Ferry Road near Vallecito, CA

New Melones Reservoir – near Angeles Camp, CA
Heron Point Trail

melones flora
Shoreline bloom @ New Melones Reservoir, Angles Camp

Red Hills Road Trail BLM
South of Chinese Camp on Red Hills Road
SW of Sonora, CA

South Yuba River State Park @ Bridgeport
Long, Historic Covered Bridge and river trails
NW of Grass Valley, CA

West Side Trail – Historic railroad grade near Tuolumne, CA

white lupine
White Lupine @ Merced River BLM – railroad river trail

mountains

see also –

Northern California: Wildflower Areas

Vallecito – Anza Borrego

Vallecito Park, San Diego Desert

Anza Borrego Desert

Great Overland Stagecoach Route of 1849

East San Diego County Road S2 winds thru the lower passes & washes of Anza Borrego Desert State Park. On the edge of the State Park boundary Vallecito is a small campground & park, but it was a stage coach route in the 1800’s.

California Historic Marker #304

Vallecito

VALLECITO STAGE STOP – A 1934 reconstruction of Vallecito Stage Station (originally built in 1852) on the eastern slopes of the mountains in the high desert. A super important stop on the first official transcontinental route, serving ‘The Jackass Mail‘, the Butterfield Overland Stage Line, and the southern emigrant caravans.

backpacking, birdwatching, camping, cycling, hiking, mountain biking, off roading, stargazing, wildflowers

camp

 

Vallecito Campground
elev. 1555′
camp sites: 44
overnight fee
first come, first serve
reservations accepted
Campfire pits, picnic tables, bathrooms, & historic buildings; 22 sites are tents only. RV 40′ limit; Additional 8 equestrian campsites w/ corrals. No RV hookups, no dump station. No piped water. No gasoline, no store, no amenities. No firewood, no collecting of firewood. No shade trees, just tall desert brush. Arrive adequately prepared for real desert roughin it.

RV

Vallecito Stage Station County Park
760-765-1188
37349 Great Southern Overland Stage Route
County Road S2 @ mile marker 34.7
About 3.5 mi NW of Agua Caliente Hot Springs

Closed during the hottest months of summer: JUNE-AUG. Open seasonally: Labor Day weekend through the fall, winter and spring, up until the last week in May. 

camptruck

see also – Oriflamme Canyon / Mason Valley Truck Trail

muck to stagecoachA neighboring and very rural stage coach stop is further down a long wash, to the south east. Getting there usually requires 4×4, since you must ford a muddy desert wash w/ creek & deep holes. There are no signs out in this sandy desert wash, so you best have a good map and a compass.

The Old Carrizo Stage Station site is accessible by 4 different dirt roads (desert washes) way off the paved highway. None of these are well signed at the highway: Vallecito Creek, Willow Creek near Mountain Palm Springs, Carrizo Creek near Bow Willow, and Canyon sin Nombre.

Agua Caliente, Bow Willow Campground, Canebrake, Sweeney Pass,  the badlands overlook, mud caves and slot canyons are all located south of Vallecito. California SR 78 and Blair Valley are north of Vallecito.

Vallecito Creek

San Diego Desert MapVallecito is located at the apex of the gap in the Carrizo Badlands created by Carrizo Creek and its wash in its lower reach, to which Vallecito Creek is a tributary. Once a seasonal village of the native Kumeyaay people, on a trail across the desert from the Colorado River, this oasis, became a crucial stopping place for Spanish and then Mexican travelers to recover from the desert crossing between Sonora and New Mexico to California. The non native settlement of the site began in 1850, as a camp with a one room sod warehouse as the U.S. Army Depot Vallecito for the supply of Fort Yuma. It was later increased in size and became a store, a stage station, and a ranch house. read more on wiki

find maps for this desert region –

Anza Borrego Desert Map

San Diego Backcountry Map

Cleveland National Forest Atlas

dark skies anza

califrepublic

Another Vallecito, California?

Yep! Small community of about 400 folks in the western Sierra Nevada  foothills. Gold Rush Country, mining region. Up off the Historic 49 and it used to be called Murphy’s Old Diggings.

see Gold Country Maps

32S13 – Los Padres NF

Sierra Madre Road
Sierra Madre Ridge, San Rafael Wilderness

Los Padres National Forest
Forest Road #32S13

off of Cuyama Valley Hwy 166

32S13 Sierra Madre Road

East of Santa Maria, CA – along Highway 166 (on the south side of the pavement) are several dirt roads that lead up to the main ridge road that access this part of Los Padres National Forest.

  • backpacking
  • camping
  • dirt bike trails
  • dirt roads
  • hiking
  • horse camping
  • mountain biking
  • off road routes
  • petroglyhs
  • wildflowers

4WD not required, but high clearance is helpful. Open almost all year. Rainy season gate closures (at hwy) during winter months.

4x4

dirtbikes

cruiseronridge

Sierra Madre Mountains

Miranda Pine Mountain (elev. 4120′)
Timber Peak (elev. 4754′)
Peak Mountain (elev. 5843′)
McPherson Peak (elev. 5749′)
Samon Peak (elev. 6221′)

Sierra Madre Ridge is forest road #32S13, which parallels Hwy 166 (Cuyama River) for over 50 miles on the Sierra Madre Ridge at approx. 5000 feet elevation.

NOTE: A good stretch of this dirt road is closed to vehicle traffic. Although it connects to Santa Barbara Canyon near Ventucopa, you cannot drive it. Only hike or mountain bike!

Hog Pen Sign

NFS Gate locked at the HOG PEN trailhead, and from there you can bike or walk all the way the other end at Santa Barbara Canyon near Cuayama Fire Lookout @ Dick Smith Wilderness

Still Standing

camp

Small campgrounds in the region:

off Highway 166
Miranda Pine Campground (on 32S13 @ 11N03)
Bates Canyon Campground (via Cottonwood Canyon Rd)
also known as White Oaks Campground
Aliso Canyon Campground (via Aliso Canyon Road)
not accessible by vehicle, from dirt road 32S13; only by trail

in the backcountry
Painted Rock Camp (hike-in)
Sycamore Camp (hike-in)

high clearance, off road accessible
Horseshoe Springs (11N04)
Lazy Campground (11N04)
Wagon Flat Campground (11N03)
Barrel Springs (10N06)
Colson Canyon (11N04)

wildflower

coastridges

Highway 166 Cuyama River Valley
EAST San Luis Obispo County

Wildflowers Bloom: APRIL-MAY

mayflowers

redflora

San Rafael Wilderness

Sisquoc River
Native Rock Art
Sierra Madre Mountains

Rock Art Sign

MAPS of the Area:

hiker

Los Padres USFS MAP
Los Padres Topo Atlas
Los Padres West NatGeo Map
Dick Smith Wilderness Map

sisquocriver6nearby destinations: 

Cuyama Peak Fire Lookout
New Cuyama, CA

Rock Front Ranch 4×4
Santa Maria, CA
Ventucopa, CA

Matilija Wilderness

Upper Matilija Fall

Matilija Wilderness
Matilija Falls

Matilija Canyon
North of Ojai, California

Los Padres National Forest Map

Established 1992 by the Los Padres Condor Range & River Protection Act.

29,600 acres
Ojai, CA

Los Padres National Forest
Ojai Ranger District
805-646-4348

USDA web link – Matilija Wilderness

hikelospadres.com/matilija-wilderness

The coastal mountain range wilderness located approximately 12 miles north of Ojai, CA. Drive 5 miles N on Highway 33; left at the Matilija Canyon Road turn off.

Chaparral is the prevalent vegetation with poppies plentiful in springtime. Cottonwood, alder and maple trees dominate the canyon. One trail has trail campsites along it and follows 9 miles of the North Fork, gaining about 3,400′ feet in elevation as it makes a north-south journey, and leaving the Wilderness at a parking area on Cherry Creek Road. This road is open seasonally from Aug. 1 to Dec. 15

small water fall

This whole area burnt in a recent wildfire and much of it may be closed off to the public.

Matilija Canyon Trails & Trailheads

Landowner closes popular trail to Matilija Falls (2010)


View Larger Map

aaron climbing

Matilija Creek Bed

Mount Pinos Recreation

Mount Pinos Camping

Mt Pinos Campgrounds – Los Padres Camping

A little bit of high altitude, alpine forests in Southern Cal. Mount Pinos campgrounds are the ones on the way up to Mt Pinos 8831′ on the paved route to the top parking lot, Mount Pinos Road. Only 2 campgrounds take reservations & can be busy in summer months. Chula Vista Camp (at the top parking lot, short walk on trail) has an amazing wildflower meadow w/ group camp area. Drum circles are common on summer weekends.

  • backpacking
  • camping
  • hiking
  • mountain biking
  • sledding & snow play
  • stargazing

Drum Circle Camp

Mount Pinos parking lot is well known among RVers, astronomers & cross country skiers. If the 2 snow gates are open, you’ll find RVs camping out here until winter officially starts. The peak to peak trail from Mt Pinos to Mt Abel 8243′ starts at this parking area & trail head. Cool ski hut that no Forest Personnel every seems to be operating. Portable toilets available.

Pinos Star Party
Pinos Star Party

In the mid-winter, snow is almost guaranteed up here. Families & sledders flock to this region for snow play causing major traffic jams & parking problems. On the busiest of weekends w/ a recent snow storm, you may find several miles of vehicles, backed up from Pinos to the freeway (causing 10 miles of traffic jam in the mountains). It is not uncommon to see CHP managing traffic flow on the weekend. Snow play areas are located at the top on Pinos, if the gates are open.

deepsnowhwy
Mil Potreo Highway, on a good winter 2005

If not the “Y” – where Cuddy Valley meets Mil Potrero Hwy. is the main snow-play destination. This is a very busy intersection at all times of the year, as it is the main route entering Pine Mountain Club, located 5 miles to the west. Be considerate! Do not litter and please park OFF THE PAVEMENT; keep kiddies, sleds & BBQs out of the road ways.

PMC 2005 snow
PMC 2005 epic snow

campground elev spots veg toilet water notes
Chula Vista Campground 8300′ 12 pines vault no walk-in sites & RV lot
McGill Campground 7500′ 50 pines vault seasonal closed in winter
Mount Pinos Campground 7800′ 19 pine vault seasonal closed in winter

Trails on Pinos
Trails on Pinos

The pinyon pine forests surrounding Mount Pinos Recreation Area is Los Padres National Forest, where there is every kinda camping imaginable.

Outdoor resort communities such as Pine Mountain Club & Lockwood Valley Road are close by and surround the highest mountain peak in Kern County. Mil Potrero Campground, developed NFS Campground, open during summer only.

Rugged backpacking, or back road motorcycle 4×4 camps – with maybe one camp fire ring (still intact). Windwolves Preserve, Quatal Canyon, Cerro Noroeste, Valle Vista, Lockwood & Cuyama Valley.

NFSlogo

Group Camping Sites in Los Padres Forest

Winter Snows
Winter Snows – Gates Close

map of the regions –

Sierras from Pinos
Sierra Nevada Mountains, as seen from Pinos Road

nearby towns –

DSCN0036


Sierra Buttes California

sierra buttes

The Sierra Buttes

elevation: 8591′

Northern Gold Country California at the headwaters to the Yuba River

Lakes Basin Recreation Area
Tahoe National Forest
near Plumas Eureka State Park

Gold Lake, Sardine Lake, Upper Sardine, Smith Lake, Packer Lake, Grass Lake, Sand Pond, Goose Lake, Snag Lake, Long Lake, Jamison Lake, Round Lake, Deer Lake, Tamarack Lakes, Young America Lake, Frazier Falls

Sierra Buttes

California is the land of granite peaks. Rocky, exposed mountains that stick up out of the landscape for all to see. Southern Cal has a few of them, but most granite peaks in California are found in the Sierra Nevada.

US 395 Eastern Sierra impressive ridge lines are the highest and most photographed and Lake Tahoe has plenty of big granite surrounding it. The farther you go north, the less granite you will see – not because it isn’t there, mostly cuz it is just buried with tall dense forests.

lakesbasinhikers
lakes basin day hikers

NORTH SIERRA – The Sierra Buttes are the impressive granite peaks located in between the North fork of Yuba River and Sardine Lake.

SE of Mount Lassen and NW of Lake Tahoe, at the tippy top of the historic gold country. Gold Lake Road #24 connects Gold Country Highway 49 to North of Tahoe Highway 89. Road #24 is often closed for winter snow, so most visitors enjoy this region in the summer months.hiker

Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout Hike

The infamous PCT (aka. Pacific Crest Trail) passes the peak and goes north through this basin of alpine lakes, so backpackers are often seen. Tent camping is very popular, as well as RV camping w/ numerous developed campgrounds and open camping as well.  Some of the hard to reach primitive camp sites (next to lakes) can be accessed via 4×4 vehicle. Gotta have a good topo map.

Downieville is well known for the mountain biking trails, so this whole region is covered with amazing trails. Snowmobilers and cross country skiers love the area during a good winter snow and they can access this area from the north off Hwy 89.


View Larger Map

Sardine Lake

hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, fishing, kayaking, cross country, & snowmobiling

campsite snag lake
Snag Lake (free) Camping on Gold Lake Highway

lakes basin views

Sierra Buttes Map Tahoe National Forest

Frazier Park Camping

Mount Pinos Camping & Frazier Park Campgrounds

Drum Circle Camp
Mount Pinos Fire Circle Camp Spot

camp5
Gold Hill Campground (which is now closed) – right next to Piru Creek.

camp

Frazier Park and neighboring towns, like freeway-close Lebec and Gorman, is where the Los Angeles hills meet the Kern County mountains. Mojave Desert meets to Coastal Range. EXIT I-5 @ Tejon Pass (elev 4144′)

Wildflower hills, seasonal creeks, forested peaks, high desert canyons. Bike trails, hike trails, off road routes. High elevation backpacking, hang gliding, mountain biking and camping in every direction.

MTB SOCAL
Mountain Bikers love the trails at Mount Pinos.

High desert washes, oak creeks, pinyon pine forests, mountain meadows and numerous peaks – Frazier Peak, Reyes Peak, Alamo Mountain, Mount Pinos, Mount Abel (Cerro Noroeste) and north facing San Emigdio ridge.

Mt. Pinos District:

campground elev spots veg toilet water notes
Aliso Park, Cuyama 3200′ 11 oak pit no Aliso Cyn Rd. (#10N04)
Ballinger OHV Camp 3000′ 20 pinyon vault no Rd# 9N10, Cuyama Valley
Camp-O Alto 8286′ 12 jefferey pit no ridge, Cerro Noroeste
Caballo Campground 5850′ 5 oaks pit no Rd# 9N27, Cerro Noroeste
Cherry Creek 4×4 5200′ 2 oak no spring 4WD trail, Cuddy Valley
Chuchapate Campground 6000′ 30 pines vault piped Rd# 8N04, closed winter
Chula Vista Walk-In Camp 8300′ 12 pines vault no walk-in camps & RV lot
Cottonwood Campground 4600′ 2 ctnwd no creek 4WD only trail, fish
Dome Springs Camp 4800′ 4 oak pit no Rd# 8N40, Lockwood
Dutchman Camp 6800′ 8 pines no no Rd# 7N01, 4WD trails
Half Moon Campground 4700′ 10 pines pit no Rd #7N03, May-Oct
Kings Campground 4250′ 7 pinyon vault no OHV & Piru Creek
Marian Campground 6600′ 5 pine pit no closed in winter
McGill Campground 7500′ 50+ pine vault seasonal mountain biking
Mount Pinos Campground 7800′ 19 pine vault seasonal closed winter
Nettle Springs Camp 4400′ 9 pinyon vault no Rd# 8N06, Apache Cyn
Ozena Campground 3660′ 12 cottnwd vault no Lockwood Rd
Pine Springs Camp 5800′ 12 pinyon pit no Road #7N03
Pleito Campsite 5000′ 2 mixed no no dirt rd access, dispersed
Rancho Nuevo 3550′ 2 mixed no no river crossing
Reyes Creek 4000′ 30 oaks vault yes creek camping
Reyes Peak Pine Mt 5200′ 6 pines none no ridge camping
Salt Creek 4×4 3000′ 2 mixed no no 4WD only
Sunset Campground 4300′ 2 cottonwd no no Lockwood / Piru Creek
Thorn Meadows 5000′ 5 pine pit no Rd# 7N03C, horse corral
Tinta Campground 3600′ 3 pinyon pit no river crossing
Toad Springs Camp 5700′ 5 pinyon pit no Rd# 9N09, Quatal Cyn
Twin Pines Camp 6600′ 5 pine vault no Dry weather only
Valle Vista Camp 4800′ 7 mixed pit no condors, new toilet

See Mount Pinos Recreation Campgrounds only

Group Camping Sites in Los Padres Forest

Hiking Pinos Signs
Mount Pinos – Peak to Peak hike.

Maps of Los Padres NF –nettle spring camp

Los Padres mountain towns –

DSCN0043

Toad Springs Campground atop Quatal Canyon. Small camps located in Los Padres NF have no fees, and often no toilets – so bring the shovel.

Many dirt roads are gated seasonally for wet weather or snow. Call rangers to find out which routes are open before you plan your weekend. Or have a plan B and C camp site ready if route is closed. Flashfloods, thunderstorms, and erosion means you may all-of-a-sudden need to use your 4WD. This is the mountains after all. UNpredictable weather is common.

frazier park camping

Primitive Camping in Quatal Wash, next to the OHV Route and the Chumash Wilderness

PeaktoPeak
Peak-to-Peak Hike: the toughest climb you’ll do, this decade.


South Warner Wilderness

Warner Mountains
Modoc Country
Northeast California

Road 64

Wide open spaces, mountains, rivers and ranch lands. The very last of the unexplored high country of California. Rural and rustic regions are full of forested mountain ranges with sage brush meadows lying below. Valleys are high elevation deserts with a base terrain sitting above 4000′; Peaks @ 8000′ above sea level.

South Warner Wilderness

70,000 acres
80 miles N of Susanville, CA
Modoc National Forest
NFS

South Warner Wilderness is in the southern portion of the Warner Mountains, a north south positioned range, located in the top corner of the golden state. Surprise Valley lies to the east, bordering the Nevada state line and Alturas w/ US Hwy 395 on the west side.

California SR 299
Hwy 299, the only paved thoroughfare cuts right through the middle of the Warner Mountains. Paved Parker Creek Road #56 climbs up Parker Creek from Alturas, accessing camping, hiking, dirt back roads and wilderness trailheads. Warner Mountains State Game Refuge is north of the wilderness area.

One dirt route skirts the wilderness boundary – West Warner Road #5, which leads from Parker Creek due south to Jess Valley Rd #64. Blue Lake Road, Patterson Mill and Road #39N15 are nearest to East Creek. Winter driving tips from NFS.

butterfly

  • backpacking
  • camping
  • creeks
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • horseback riding
  • hot springs
  • lakes
  • waterfalls
  • wildflowers
  • wildlife

South Warner Lakes & Reservoirs lake

  • Clear Lake
  • Patterson Lake
  • Porter Reservoir (elev 6682′)
  • West Valley Reservoir (elev 4761′)
  • Blue Lake
  • Sworinger Reservoir (elev 5868′)

South Warner Trailheads hikes

  • Summit North Trailhead (Road #31)
  • Pine Creek Trailhead (Road #5)
  • Mill Creek Trailhead (Road #40N24)
  • Clear Lake Trailhead (Road #5)
  • Summit South Trailhead (Road #64)

mill creek falls modoc

South Warner Campgrounds camp

All these campgrounds listed can be accessed by a vehicle, most by narrow back roads (some dirt). If you prefer to drive on paved roads only, then you’ll need to choose Blue Lake or Mill Creek Falls. Deep snow closes forest roads and campgrounds are generally only open a few months per year, from May to October.

South Warner Mountain Peaks

  • Squaw Peak (elev 8646′)
  • Warren Peak (elev 9710′)
  • Dusenbury Peak (elev 9710′)
  • Eagle Peak (elev 9892′)
  • Cole Peak (elev 8970′)
  • Emerson Peak (elev 8989′)
  • Hat Mountain (elev 8737′)
  • Red Rock Mountain (elev 8518′)

south warner mountains map

Wilderness permits can be obtained at local ranger station: NFS
Modoc National Forest
225 West 8th Street
Alturas, CA 96101
530-233-5811

Blue Lake Modoc
Blue Lake Modoc

nearby towns –

Cold Springs Campground

Cold Springs

Mineral King Campground, Sequoia NP

NPSSequoia National Park: Cold Springs Campground in Mineral King Area

A large developed camp ground with bear lockers, a raging creek, some walk in sites, & access to the Sierra Nevada high country trails.  This is the last real campground in the main valley, everything beyond this spot is pure alpine highcountry.

9000′-13,000′ peaks – in the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Car camp, tent camping or bring a backpack and climb to pristine lakes and into the real Wilderness.

Cold Springs Campground, California

on the East Fork of the Kaweah River, closest campground to the hiker trailheads @ Mineral King Valley. Mineral King Road open May-October (depending on snow)

Atop the mighty canyon sits mountain passes, peaks and lakes above 10,000′ elevation. A rocky alpine valley of wonder and water, granite, dark skies and a good night sleep. Black bears and hikers are everywhere, anytime.

This sweet spot river campground has more than 25 camp sites, but there is not a lot to choose from way back here on the dead end back road known as Mineral King in California.  Just up the road a piece from Silver City. Nearest real town is Three Rivers near Sequoia NP south gate, California State Route 198.

Western Sierra /

Sequoia South Camping –

37 camp sites in Mineral King @ 7500′ elevation
vault toilets, river and piped water, bear boxes
first come, first served camping

Max Camper Length: 0
(RV, motorhomes, camper trailers are not allowed)

Rangers Office: 559-565-3768

Cold Springs Campground has several campsites right on a river with other sites set up a steep forested hills. There are good number of walk-in camp sites at the end of this campground, ideal for backpackers arriving late at night. The actual walk is more like a hike, so be prepared to carry your stuff a mile down a steep forested trail. You will be rewarded with a great camp spot, near the river, away from the parking lot and noise of the car campers above. Tar Gap hiking trail leads out of Coldsprings campground and straight into the back country.

Coldsprings Camp & Atwell Mill are the only options for local tent camping.
Strapping on a backpack and heading for the high country is what most visitors do, as this is an ideal high country trailhead accessible from the western reaches of the Sierra Nevada range.

Mineral King trailheads lead out to – 
alpine fishing lakes
mountain peaks
Great Western Divide
Kings Kern Divide
Kern Canyon Wilderness
South Sierra Wilderness
Golden Trout Wilderness
Sequoia National Park
Kings Canyon NP
Sequoia National Forest
Mountain Home State Forest
Giant Sequoia National Monument
John Muir Wilderness
ROAD CONDITIONS:

East of Three Rivers, CA on Highway 198 – Mineral King Road peels off to the right, south east to a vast 30 mile long canyon. This mostly paved route closes for winter months when snow is present and rock slides are common. There is a few miles of unpaved, graded 2 lane road, but the majority is paved. Late spring (May) is typically the opening season for this road. RVs, buses, and trailers are not allowed on this narrow, winding road!

MineralKing

BIG TREES NOTE: Although this gorgeous, secluded canyon is located within Sequoia National Park, there are no Sequoia redwood trees in this particular canyon. And you might need to drive an hour up the other mountain to reach them. Just a consideration. If you have your heart set on the seeing the big trees, go do that on another trip. Mineral King is a journey and after your drive that road you will understand a few times.

HIKER PARKING: The NPS rangers station is walking distance from Cold Springs Campground. A beautiful meadow walk to the east of the campground. Bears are known to frequent the area, so locking all food in the provided metal bear lockers is a must.

Badgers are a problem too. Them critters eat radiator hoses – no joke! A good roll of chicken wire could be needed if you plan to leave your car unattended for any length of time.

View Mineral King Camping in a larger map

Mount Pinos

Mt. Pinos

Sierra Views from Pinos
Originally uploaded by danamight

Mount Pinos Recreation Area

The Mt Pinos Recreation Area is located on the border of Southern and Central California, inside Los Padres National Forest. After passing Frazier Park, the winding, paved, mountain road starts atop Cuddy Valley and is approximately 12 miles from Interstate 5 @ Tejon Pass. The 8831′ peak is the tallest in Kern County and is a popular spot for both summer and winter recreation: cross country skiing, snow shoeing, backpacking, hiking, mountain biking. The snow gates often close during heavy snow.

Mount Pinos Road starts atop Cuddy Valley Rd, at the “Y” – where it intersects with Mil Potrero Highway, which heads out to Pine Mountain Club, California.

One mile up the Mount Pinos route, you will find McGill trailhead on the right side (it is popular w/ mountain bikers) and then the first snow gate at Burbank Rd. Another 4 miles up hill, you come to the only set of dirt roads accessible on this range. A left turn will take you winding thru pine forest to the valley below. 4×4 is not required, but a National Forest map could be very handy. Unfortunately all the private properties at the bottom have locked gates & no thru access to Cuddy Valley is allowed. Although it is an awesome drive to just go exploring in the woods, there is no way out (once you get down the hill), so you must return the same way you came.

Back on the main route, shortly after the dirt roads is McGill Campground on the right side & another snow gate. In another mile and a half you will reach Mt Pinos Campground on the left side; the entrance is easy to miss. From here you are less than 2 miles from the end of the main road.

Mountain Bike, Hike, Backpack, Camp, XC Ski, Snow Sled

Darkest Skies for Stargazing in Southern California

The huge paved parking lot is the dead end (2 miles from the peak of Pinos) – very popular with astronomers, mountain bikers, plus the families and snow sledders in winter (if the gates are open). A National Ski Patrol’s Nordic Base, the only building you will see up this way. At 8300′ elevation, the large parking area is perfect overnight spot for amateur astronomers, so be considerate when visiting night. New moon (no moon) weekends APR-OCT are optimal viewing months. In busy summer months you can often find motorhome campers all set up with expensive equipment tracking the heavens all night long. Please be respectful of their hobby & eyes; Turn off headlights when you approach the parking area at night.

hiker

There is also a hike-in, freebie camp ground called Chula Vista; an easy quarter mile walk from the parking lot to 12 camp sites & a pit toilet. Mountain bikes dig this area too. A large meadow here blooms with wild irises in summer, only sometimes.



Trail 21W03 Mt Pinos

Originally uploaded by danamight

ROAD CONDITIONS to Mount Pinos, call the rangers 661-245-3731

Pinos – Peak to Peak Hike

The trailhead for Pinos Summit starts at this parking lot. It is a 2 mile moderate, but steep hike on an old fire road. The neighboring peak to the west is called Mount Abel @ 8286′ elevation (aka Cerro Noroeste). The infamous peak to peak hike along the ridge line from Mt Pinos to Mt Abel is 6.5 miles one way – and very popular in summer months. This hike requires 4-6 hours & a car shuttle should be arranged in advance. The Chumash Wilderness sits between Mount Pinos and the tiny community of Pine Mountain, which can be seen below on many places along the hike.

camp

There are 3 developed campgrounds in the Mount Pinos Recreation Area:

McGill Campground accepts reservations online. Campgrounds are often closed during winter months, due to snow. (Oct-April)

DARK NIGHT SKIES: Amateur Astronomers unite!

thebigboys
Pinos star gazers out in force

summitsign
Hiking Trails to Mount Pinos, California

 

drummersout
Drummers Solstice Campout

flagspinos

LOS PADRES MAPS:

Los Padres National Forest Map

Los Padres Forest Topo Atlas

NatGeo Los Padres East Map 

Sespe Wilderness Trail Map

Dick Smith Wilderness Map

NEAREST TOWNS:

Chumash Wilderness
Mt Abel trailhead looking East to the Mount Pinos range. Pine Mountain Club, and the Sierra Nevada mountains can both be seen from this vantage point

see the neighboring mountain peak, Mount Abel

Camp O Alto @ Cerro Noroeste

24N10 – Plumas NF

Lake Davis Loop Drive

Lake Davis Loop: Plumas Forest Road #24N10

Plumas National Forest

also known as the Beckwourth Taylorsville Road

5,800′ elevation
Portola, CA

Lake Davis

Lake Davis Loop is a 20 mile circle around the lake. Drive or mountain bike route. Scenic drive on dirt roads, or an easy bike ride. Average ride time 2 hours for biking.

A flat, easy loop around Lake Davis is best in summer months, as snow usually closes this area in winter. The whole route is a mix of paved, dirt and gravel road. There are picnic areas along the way, lake views, bird and wildlife viewing, wildflowers.

NFSlogo

 

Numerous primitive camp sites and secondary dirt roads fork in various directions, off of this main loop.  Volcanic ridges line the west side of the lake, dense forest and seclusion can be found all around. Bald eagles fly overhead and wild life is abundant.

  • boat
  • camp
  • fish
  • hike
  • mountain bike
  • stargaze
  • wildlife

CROCKER GUARD STATION

campCrocker Station is for rent and reservations are required. This wooden 2-story home was built in 1912 for Forest Service personnel, and later staffed as a fire station until the 1980s.

Situated at 5700′ elevation, its alpine beauty and cooler temps make it a much sought after, especially in summertime. Located a few miles from the lake and 10 miles northeast of Portola, California. There is a small campground next door called Crocker Campground. A dirt road access to Crocker Meadow is quickest from lake, but the paved route around is longer.

Camp 5 sign

DIRECTIONS:
From California SR 70 (Highway 70) in Portola take West Street approximately 7 miles to the Lake Davis Dam. Park at the information kiosk and get acquainted with maps and the area info.

Drive or bike the lake loop. Travel 1.7 miles west to Forest Service Road 24N10, travel on that for 8.1 miles until you reach the junction with County Road 112. Then turn east and continue around the lake, past the Grizzly Campground a half mile, turn South on Country Road 126 and continue back to the dam.


View Larger Map

Plumas National Forest
Plumas Map USDA

 

DSCN0077


Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Lakes Basin Area, California

Golden gems of California, a collection of alpine lakes on the north end of Historic Gold Country, North Yuba River, Northern Sierra Nevada

lake dunk
EAST of Downieville, CA

California’s Gold Lake and surrounding lakes; the granite spires of the Sierra Buttes and the creeks, waterfalls, headwaters of the Yuba River — total wild beauty. Steep, granite, river canyon from Downieville drive east on Highway 49 from Sierra City to Bassetts, a gasoline and market stop; they have a small hotel there too.

Historic Lodges

Take the left turn, north on to the Gold Lake Highway. The alpine and extremely scenic Lakes Basin Area consist of all small lakes in between Hwy 49 to Hwy 89, along GOLD LAKE HWY [Road S620] some maps read Road #24 or call this Gold Lake “Road” instead of highway. Snow closes in this route during winter months.

The impressive Lakes Basin Gold Lake Region is in the north part of Tahoe National Forest, on the border of Plumas National Forest. Plumas Eureka State Park is also nearby.

Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Picnicking, Wildflowers, Stargazing, Fishing, Kayaking, XC Skiing, Snowmobiling

Lakes Basin Map

Lakes Basin Campground

California best lake destinations

lakes basin views

Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Sierra Buttes Map


Green Creek Road

Mono County Wildlife Area
Mono County Wildlife Area, Green Creek Road- off Hwy 395, near Bodie

Green Creek California

Eastern Sierra

S of Bridgeport, CA
MONO – Road #142NFS

Toiyabe National Forest
Bridgeport Ranger District

If you are thinking about fishing or camping the Eastern Sierra, North of Bishop & you are not up for the crowds at Mammoth or June Lakes, then try the Bridgeport area, north on Hwy 395. Rural ranch lands along main road, Bodie ghost town turn off across the highway and Virginia Creek Settlement are also nearby

Green Creek is a 11 mile long dirt road in the lush Eastern Sierra the northern portion. The wide, graded dirt road is signed and dead ends at a Toiyabe National Forest campground called Green Creek Campground. The drive up can be washboard bumpy in some parts, but that doesn’t stop the hundreds of adventurous motorhomes that make this trek annually. This place features some of the best prime Sierra back roads camping options for RVs.

Another dirt route, Dunderberg Meadow Road peels off to the left. Dunderberg departs  off Green Creek a couple of miles from the highway and well maintained. This route leads to meadows, aspens, picture perfect scenery and much more seclusion. Passenger car accessible, wide graded dirt roads to wilderness edges. Two-track one lane trails lead to meadow edges and more creeks. Very impressive views of the Sierra peaks over here on this side. Meadows are sensitive areas, wonderful for picnics and you should always minimize impact.

State Park California

Green Creek Wildlife Area
Mono County, California

Aspen Grove Camping for RVs

  • alpine lakes
  • backpacking
  • bird watching
  • camping
  • creeks
  • day hikes
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • horseback
  • hunting
  • mountain biking
  • wildlife
  • wilderness

Plain old passenger cars can easily make this route deep into the Eastern Sierra aspen canyon. Graded dirt and4x4 could be needed winter months. Backpackers can enjoy easy access to the Hoover Wilderness trailheads. There is plenty semi-primitive camping spots along the way, right on the creek, for free…. so no need to sleep in your vehicle upon arrival.

Autumn Aspen Groves: fall colors peak in October, which is usually when the first snows for the winter season start. November – usually the freeze gets them and lifeless brown leaves dangle, until the Sierra Nevada wind gust blow real good.

camp

Green Creek Camping

DIRT ROAD CAMPING

  • alpine lakes
  • backpacking
  • car camping
  • day hikes
  • fishing camping
  • meadows
  • RV camping
  • tent camping

Hoover Wilderness

Dispersed, primitive camp spots along this main dirt road are on a first come basis. You’ll need a fire permit. Many flat camps are set along the creek in aspen groves, some pines, others have  cubby hole privacy. Large granite valley, big creek, bird, scenery and nature everywhere.  Some folks spend weeks camping out here in the warm weather months. Fishing is a big attraction.

Old Cabin in autumn leaves, up near the top of the dirt road deep in the aspen grovesNFS

Green Creek Campground USFS
7500 elevation
11 camp sites
fee, open May – October
trailhead parking nearby

hiking trails lead to

hikes

TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS:

Aspen Camp

California Camping Maps

California Campground Maps

Maps are the key to finding your very own slice of heaven in the Wilderness. Online map sources can barely get you to your city destination correctly, much less the remote waterfall you desire. You will need a real map for your adventure. A topographical map, with all the details, dirt roads & hiking trails. If you are seeking to stay away from the touristy crowds, this is the best possible place you can be…. on this site, searching for ways to make it happen – this weekend.

BACKPACKERS BACKPACKING MAPS –

maps of California
Mount Whitney, John Muir & way beyond the High Sierra. DanaMite has all the California Wilderness maps on the new map shop. Various brands and types of maps. Most are printed on waterproof plastic now & are tear-resistant.

CAR CAMPING MAPS –

El Dorado Camping
Planning on camping outside of the developed campgrounds & finding that perfect stream side spot without the reservation & the fees? Then you will need a free fire permit (from a ranger station), plus a good map of the forests & a vehicle capable of handling the rugged the back roads. Much of California is prone to wildfires, so make sure campfires are even allowed on the backroads, before you get out there. Call the “field rangers” for back road advice and current recommendations.

CALIFORNIA OFF ROAD MAPS –

Wanna take that 4×4 vehicle somewhere really special this season? Camp well beyond the masses, way down that dirt road. We have OHV maps for SoCal, the deserts & all the National Forest maps too.

CALIF CAMPGROUND MAPS –

Start your search on the perfect campground or camp site with the destination in mind. Mountains, deserts, coastal. Parks & forests all have their own maps with all nearby camp grounds listed. We feature all the National Forest maps, as well as some State Park & National Park maps

See all California topo, hiking, camping maps

Sierra Nevada maps

coolsprings

  • California A to Z
  • California Camping
  • California Elevations
  • Camp Firewood
  • Camp Potty
  • RV camping deep in the Sierra
    RV camping at it's best in the Sierra; This rig found themselves deep in the alpine lush meadows with towering trees and a view and a very private camp site.

    Big Bend CA
    Big Bend Ranger Station, off I-80

    Poppy Stompers

    California Golden Poppy

    The official state flower of California is the POPPY

    Spring usually means it’s warming up, to a great wildflower season in California. Time to get outdoors more! Hike, bike and picnic near the wildflowers and see some poppies.

    poppy fields

    California Golden Poppies can be found throughout the state, in small patches near the roadways, rolling hills behind vineyards, in high desert flats (where wind gets whipping) or even out near a ranch, with oak hills and fields of golden orange.

    POPPIES can blanket hillsides, resulting in a show stopping event – which can be deadly on freeways? N of L.A. interstate 5 (the Grapevine) TEJON PASS (Lebec, Gorman, Junction 138) >> Please pull to nearest exit and stop the car. (It will be safest and well worth the 10 minute stretch break.)

    Golden poppies can be found all over California. Flowers like lupine and owls clover can often be found nearby. Wildflowers may only last a few weeks, so go enjoy them while they last.

    Bright yellow, gold, deep orange – or any shade in between!

    best places to find poppies

    NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

    Table Mountain @ Cherokee Road
    North of Oroville, CA

    wine country

    Wine Country NorCal

    Alexander Valley Road

    Railroad Tracks @ Santa Rosa, CA
    Napa County
    Sonoma County

    Santa Rosa Tracks

    CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

    Kern County

    Fort Tejon State Historic Park @ I-5
    Cerro Noroeste Road & Klipstein Canyon
    Carrizo Plain National Monument BLM
    Kern River Canyon
    S of Walker Basin @ Caliente Bodfish Rd
    North of Tehachapi, CA

    Santa Lucia Mountains
    Rock Front Ranch
    Schoolhouse Canyon
    Cottonwood
    Hwy 166, West of New Cuyama, CA

    Figueroa Mountain Road
    Los Padres National Forest
    East of Santa Ynez, CA

    Pine Flat Reservoir
    @ Kings River, Sierra National Forest
    East of Fresno, CA

    East Bay San Francisco
    The rural hills out east are the best places to find poppies in the Bay Area.

    Mojave Desert Preserve
    Providence Mountain SRA
    Interstate 40
    East of Barstow, CA

    Central Coast California

    Gold Country Hiking

    Gold Country California

    Auburn, CA
    Central California Reservoirs
    Located all around most rivers w/ dams (reservoirs) poppies can easily be found along highways, rural roads and on oak hillsides.

     

    SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

    Boulder Creek Road (dirt)
    Descanso to Julian, CA
    San Diego Mountain Foothills

    SoCal poppies

    Lancaster Poppy: Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

    Poppy Hotline (661) 724-1180

    Remember, stay on the trail!  Getting a picture of that one really nice poppy will crush all the plants along the way, and compact the ground leaving lifeless bare dirt for the next year or longer.  If someone else has started a trail, do not add to the damage.  Please be a responsible park visitor and leave the park as nice as you found it.

    Or you can avoid the crowds & tour buses at the Poppy Park to head off on your own adventure. All along both sides of high desert Hwy 138 you can find fields of California Poppies, from the small town of Neenach, CA east to Hwy 14. Plus the hills of Gorman are usually full of color.

    Gorman @ I-5
    Gorman CA – Interstate 5 @ jct Hwy 138

    Borrego Park

    Anza Park / Borrego Park

    purplmtns_i

    East San Diego County, Borrego Springs CA

    San Diego Backcountry
    600,000 acres of SoCal desert
    San Diego desert maps

    BLOOM: mid-March thru May
    Anza Park elevations range from low to high. Lowest near eastern border (next to the Salton Sea) to the upper reaches of the western slopes @ 4000′. Wide, deep, sandy, long desert washes, native petroglphs, wind caves, slot canyons and split mountain. This uncrowded state park has the most acreages than all of the parks.

    OPEN CAMPING

    Camp in a developed campground, a small back country site or camp primitive on nearly any dirt road. Car camping to 4×4, this park has lots to offer folks wishing to really escape. No ground fires allowed, so bring your metal campfire bucket and large trash bag to carry out your ashes. The last thing you want is to scar these pristine white desert washes.

    DESERT WILDFLOWERS

    Steep rocky canyons on the Laguna mountain foothills can be challenging terrain, so bring good, sturdy hiking boots. Wildflowers can be abundant on certain years. Lower elevations sprout up first; Higher elevations along County Rd S-2 & S-22 bloom later in Spring. By June 1st most of the color is gone in and around Borrego Springs, so this is a real Winter and Spring vacation kinda spot. California desert wildflowers include primrose, barrel cactus, prickly pear, monkey flower, ocotillo & many more.

    ANZA BORREGO WILDFLOWERS

    seaoflavendar

    see also BORREGO SPRINGS

    find you way easily with the Anza Borrego Desert Map

    anza park

    This is the largest State Park in California and “open car camping” is allowed on the back roads. (also referred to as primitive camping, free camping or 4×4 camping) One of the few places in Southern California that you can camp outside of a developed Campground and still have a campfire. You gotta bring a large metal bucket to have your campfire in – as ashes scar white sandy washes and ground fires are not allowed.

    Anza Borrego Wildflowers


    Desert Wildflowers / Anza Borrego SP

    Anza Borrego Flowers / Borrego Springs CA

    Wild Flowers of Box Canyon, Mecca
    East San Diego County, Borrego Springs CA

    San Diego Backcountry
    600,000 acres of SoCal desert

    BLOOM: February thru MaySan Diego desert maps
    Anza Park elevations range from low to high. Lowest near eastern border of park (next to the Salton Sea) to the upper reaches of the western slopes @ 4000′ of the Laguna mountains. Lower elevations sprout up first; Micro flowers, Easter-egg-color splendor in the dry washes. Higher elevations bloom later (along w/ areas on San Diego County Rd S-2, the Great Overland Stage Route)

    Drive from Temecula to Warner Springs, and then proceed east – out to the Salton Sea via Back Road Highway #S22 (Montezuma Grade). A great route to take thru the Borrego State Park – for the full gamut in vegetation & altitude. Grapevine Canyon is an alternate off road route down a scenic canyon. Culp Valley has a small campground, plus lots of boulders and decent views to the Borrego Valley. Off the highway, on dirt, one-lane side roads lead to many primitive spots. Perfect for private picnics, stargazing or overnight camping.

    anza wildflowers include – Arizona Lupine, Barrel cacti, Brittlebush, California Primrose, Cheesebush, Creosote, Desert Chicory, Desert Apricot, Desert Hibiscus, Desert Lavender, Desert Pincushion, Fiesta Flower, Fishhook Cactus, Gold-Poppy, Ghost Flowers, Ground Cherry, Fagonia, Prickly Pear, Monkey Flower, Ocotillo, Rigid Fiddleneck, Rock Daisy, Sahara Mustard, Sand Verbena, Short-Wing Deerweed, Spanish Needles, Spectacle Pod, Trailing Windmills, Turpentine Broom, Whispering Bells, Wishbone Bush

    Anza Borrego Camping: Palm Canyon and RV Resortscamp

     

    BORREGO MAPS

    Wilderness Anza Borrego Map
    Wilderness Press Anza Borrego Map

     

    Hot Springs of the Southwest
    Hot Springs of the Southwest

    Anza Borrego Flora

    __________________________________________________

    Annual California Wildflower Reports

     

    anza flower links:

    Anza-Borrego National History Association
    Anza Borrego Desert
    Anza Borrego Desert State Park
    Borrego Campfire Restrictions
    Desert USA Reports

    blurflwr

    nearby towns:

    Borrego Valley Flora