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You are here: Home / Blog / Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

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Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

To me, deserts are some of the most beautiful ecosystems found in the world.

Who can really affirm a desert is lifeless?

Some years (depends on weather and winter rains), certain parts of the Mojave Desert get covered under a sheet of bright orange flowers.  The responsible for this burst of life is California’s state flower: the poppy.

Table of Contents

  • About the California Poppy
  • Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
  • Reserve Rules
  • Prepare for your Visit
  • Other Places to See Poppies
  • Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve Location
  • More About Lancaster
  • More of Southern California
    • Related posts:

About the California Poppy

The poppy has always been recognized as something special. Early Spanish Californians called it Dormidera, “the drowsy one,” because the petals curl up at night. They fashioned a hair tonic by frying the blossoms in olive oil and adding perfume.

Around 1810, a German botanist called Adelbert von Chamisso gave the poppy its scientific name, Eschscholzia californica, in honor of his friend Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz.  Both visited the West on a scientific expedition aboard a Russian ship.

Von Chamisso original sketches exist till this day.

The poppy thrives in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Sonora, and Baja California.

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

As mentioned, the poppy can be found in different places.  However, I do not think you are going to find better viewing areas than the ones we have in Central and Southern California.

In the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, located north of Los Angeles, close to the city of Lancaster, the poppies cover an area of 1,781 acres.  And, that is just within the reserve! The adjacent and nearby areas are covered in flowers too.

A few years ago, I visited the reserve and ended up amazed.  I visited again this year and the bloom was superior to what I saw before.  I was able to see the hills on “fire” from miles away.

To give you an idea of what I am talking about, take a look at the photos below.

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

This place is more impressive than others I have visited because 25-30 different plants are in bloom along with the poppy.  I saw many shades of yellow, white, pink and purple.  That made things even prettier.

The reserve counts with 7 miles of trails.  It is simple to move around but there are maps available if you feel like you need one.  The farther you get from the entrance, the more you leave the crowds behind.  To be honest, you do not have to walk a lot to find peace and quietness.

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, CaliforniaAntelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, CaliforniaAntelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

I found the trails inside the reserve pretty easy to conquer.  Definitely, walk to the vista points to get magnificent views of the reserve, pastures, hills, and mountains.

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

At the reserve, you are going to find the Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center, named for the painter who was instrumental in setting aside an area where California’s state flower could be preserved for future generations to admire. Some of Pinheiro’s watercolors are on display in the center, which also has wildflower interpretive displays, videos, and merchandise.

Reserve Rules

Keep in mind all plants, rocks and historic objects inside the reserve are protected.  Please follow the rules to keep this place pristine.

Stay on official trails.  Do not step over the flowers. This is serious.  You may be fined if the Rangers see you doing this (and I saw them giving a ticket to a group).

Do not pick flowers.  If you do so, you are destroying seeds that may have contributed to next year’s bloom.  We want more flowers not less.

Eat within designated areas and use trashcans. Do not feed wildlife.

Dogs and drones are prohibited.  Smoking is not allowed.

Be courteous and drive carefully

The reserve gets crowded when the flowers are in full bloom.  Wait times to park can be more than an hour.  It is possible to park outside and walk.  If you choose to do this, make sure you leave your car on a safe location (without blocking the main road).

If you enter the reserve by foot, consider making a donation at the visitor’s center.  Entrance fee is $10 by car.  You will save that money if you walk in.  However, it would be nice if you give that amount anyway.  In that way, you are still supporting the California State Park.

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

Prepare for your Visit

Since the reserve is technically in the desert, wear sunblock, sunglasses, a hat/cap and, if possible, long sleeves.  Flowers bloom from mid-March to mid-April. Weather is going to be on the chillier side.  Also, the wind can be implacable in this area.

I recommend having a substantial meal before arriving at the reserve.  You are going to be, at least, 15 miles from the nearest town.  Also, it would be a good idea to bring water and snacks (eat in designated areas only). Potable water is available at the visitor’s center (you can fill a bottle).

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

Other Places to See Poppies

If you cannot make it to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, there are other options to consider:

  • Walker Canyon (Lake Elsinore)
  • Diamond Lake (Hemet)
  • Chino Hills State Park
  • Bear Valley
  • Montana de Oro State Park and Point Buchon (near Morro Bay)

Other places to see wildflowers include:

  • Figueroa Mountain (Santa Barbara)
  • Hungry Valley State Vehicular Area
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Anza Borrego State Park
  • Botanical Gardens all over the state

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve Location

Lancaster is located 70 miles from Downtown Los Angeles.  Depending on traffic, it will take you 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the city.

Visitors from Los Angeles use the I-5 and CA-14 freeways to reach Lancaster.  The connection between these two freeways (close to Santa Clarita) is heavily trafficked during rush hours.  Because of that, I recommend avoiding this spot during those times.

Visitors coming from points north should connect to CA-138 from the I-5.

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California

More About Lancaster

After visiting the reserve, take some time to visit Lancaster.  The city’s main downtown drag, The BLVD, has been declared a California Cultural District.  I have a detailed article with plenty of ideas on what to do, see and eat in the city.

Things to Do in Lancaster

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Each spring the poppy makes us remember how alive is the Mojave.  The spectacle is one of the best I have seen.

More of Southern California

Find out how to spend one fun-filled day in Los Angeles

Get inspiration by reading my Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List

Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

150+ Places to Go in Orange County

200+ Places to Visit in Santa Barbara

Have you been to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve?

Pin for later!

Things to do in #Lancaster, #California – Travel tips and vacation ideas - In the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, located north of Los Angeles, close to the city of Lancaster, poppies cover an area of 1,781 acres.  And, that is just within the reserve! The adjacent and nearby areas are covered in flowers too. Come and take a look at this spectacle of nature! #LosAnegeles #SouthernCalifornia

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21 Comments

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Comments

  1. Camels & Chocolate says

    June 1, 2012 at 9:00 am

    WOW! What an amazing spot!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      June 1, 2012 at 5:26 pm

      I know. Trying to find another great place like it.

      Reply
  2. Cathy Sweeney says

    June 1, 2012 at 9:28 am

    I absolutely LOVE the California poppy. These are gorgeous photos. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many as in your pics.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      June 1, 2012 at 5:27 pm

      I visited on an excellent blooming season. I think it hasn’t been so good since I went. It has been too rainy or too dry.

      Reply
  3. Courtney Mroch says

    June 1, 2012 at 12:41 pm

    Holy smokes! How stunning is that? The photos are amazing. It must’ve been breathtaking in real oife to see such blooming beauty!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      June 1, 2012 at 5:27 pm

      The place was full when I went and everybody looked stunned by the beauty around.

      Reply
  4. Ayngelina says

    June 1, 2012 at 1:24 pm

    I also love the desert, it’s my favourite terrain. Maybe because I didn’t grow up with it? I had no idea this place existed but it must have been so incredible with all the orange flowers.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      June 1, 2012 at 5:28 pm

      Yes, it is a great place. There are other parts of the desert blooming with different flowers.

      Reply
  5. Mary @ The World Is A Book says

    June 1, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    Gorgeous! You went on what seemed like the height of the blooms. I have always wanted to make a trip up there to see these in bloom. I love how it just covers the valley in orange and transforms its scenery. We like going to Anza Borrego during Spring to see the wildflowers but you have to time it right. I also love the Carlsbad Flower Fields near my home during spring.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      June 1, 2012 at 5:30 pm

      Mary,
      I had plans to go to Anza Borrego this year. Then, I read the blooming season wasn’t that good so I decided not to go. I totally missed the Flower Fields. Will have to wait till next year.

      Reply
  6. Sophie says

    June 2, 2012 at 5:51 am

    I love the desert, but have mostly experienced the stark Middle Eastern or African deserts. The ones in the USA seem a different type of desert, with the cacti and more vegetation. This looks gorgeous.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      June 9, 2012 at 11:16 am

      Sophie,
      The Mojave is considered a mountain desert (not sandy) and it is different because it is located at high altitudes (2000 to 5000 feet). I would like to explore other types of deserts.

      Reply
  7. Michael Figueiredo says

    June 5, 2012 at 10:22 pm

    I went to see the poppies in the Antelope Valley about 10 years ago….I had forgotten how gorgeous it was. Amazing photos, Ruth.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      June 9, 2012 at 10:55 am

      Hopefully, we will get nice weather next year. In that way, we can have a decent blooming season.

      Reply
  8. Christina says

    June 6, 2012 at 11:30 am

    I haven’t been to many deserts, but this one looks like it’s definitely worth a visit. Must be a great feeling standing in the middle of these poppies. What a colour rush!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      June 9, 2012 at 10:54 am

      It is so cool to see all the poppies. It feels surreal at certain points. But you have to be careful since there are rattlesnakes in the areas (you are not supposed to get out the paths).

      Reply
  9. Spencer says

    June 12, 2012 at 3:26 am

    What a beautiful picture! It must have been awesome to see it all in person.

    Reply
  10. Christina Daggett says

    April 12, 2019 at 9:52 am

    Having spent most of my life on the eastern seaboard of the US, I had no idea such a beautiful reserve existed. The photos are gorgeous, and when I go back to the states, I will make a point of visiting this fantastic reserve. Will be pinning this.

    Reply
  11. Photo Cache says

    April 12, 2019 at 4:06 pm

    Been planning on going. Is there still time to go. Are the flowers still going to be there in 2 weeks time you think? Thanks for sharing this.

    Reply
  12. Sol Solntze says

    April 14, 2019 at 6:06 am

    That’s amazing! What a great place for a walk! What great pictures!

    Reply
  13. Jill says

    April 16, 2019 at 6:32 am

    Gorgeous photos, Ruth! I’ve not been to Antelope Valley but I did make it to the Flower Fields this spring and was blown away by how pretty it was and to a lavender farm in Tasmania.

    Reply

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Ruth
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