Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
28 reviews for Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
28 reviews in English
-
Review from Liza N.
Los Angeles, CA
4/11/2011
So, apparently poppy season isn't that great this year ... but that being said, I still had a blast here this past weekend. The actual 'reserve' itself, the area specifically located with paths, restrooms, visitors center, and $10 parking -- had NO poppies open! But the super friendly guys at the front gate kindly directed us to drive another couple of minutes further (aka, not in the reserve itself, aka saving $10!) to where we'd find some sweet displays- at Lancaster and 110th.
A picnic in the field completed this magical day. Not too bad of a drive from LA, either, about 1.5 hours. Worth it, but check before you go to make sure flowers will be out! -
Review from Philip S.
Irvine, CA
3/10/2011 4 photos
If you haven't been here before get ready. If the flowers are open it's the most amazing place in the world. Go early as winds pick up and the flowers close. Go on a sunny windless day. Check their website.
Remember those dreams where you would fly over fields of flowers? This is it for real.
Stay on the paths. It's not for the flowers sake, it's for yours. One year we went and heard rattlers. The ranger had to come and wrangle it. Don't go off trail and step on a snake.
Bring a camera or you're going to kick yourself forever. A hat with a string is good. A light jacket. Can be both cold wind and hot sun at the same time.
Check out my photos. -
Review from Jolene M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/21/2010
#120 of http://365losangeles.b...
I finally made the 1.5 hour trek to the reserve this past Saturday. Supposedly, last weekend was the peak of the poppy season, but I think it will still look nice for another week. If you do go, don't forget to pack a lunch (there are not many places to eat up there), sunscreen, plenty of water, and to dress in layers. It's usually very windy there, but we got lucky this past weekend and there was just a gently breeze.
It cost $8 per vehicle to park in the parking lot, but if you don't feel like paying this, there are some spots along the main road where you can park for free (if you don't mind ~.5 mile walk). When we got there, they weren't letting people into the parking lot because it was full, but if you just wait a few minutes they'll start letting people back in again. The line into the lot, while it looked daunting, was actually not too bad--we got through it in about 10-15 minutes.
The reserve has many dirt paths that all connect in a loop. Since it's a reserve, you don't want to wander off the dirt paths or pick any flowers. (Also, there are rattle snakes in the area, so you REALLY don't want to wander off the paths!) Near the entrance is a visitor's center with restrooms. There are also a few picnic tables and plenty of porta-potties.
The Antelope Valley poppies were one of the most amazing and memorable sights I have seen in or around L.A.. I would encourage everyone to check it out this year, especially since it is one of the better blooming years in recent past!
Click on link above for pics -
Review from Jason P.
Whittier, CA
6/25/2011
This review should be entitled "Review from a doofus!" Because I feel like a doofus for visiting this place in late June, well past the wildflower season. Now I have made past visits when the wildflowers were blooming and really enjoyed the preserve, the wildflowers, the scenic high desert views and the variety of trails suitable for the casual hiker which is why I still give this place a high rating--assuming you come during Spring when the wildflowers are blooming. Check the official preserve website that Yelp links to as there are very helpful wildflower updates during spring season.
However, this time there were no wildflowers to be seen. This I was prepared for but what should have clued me in to the horror I was about to experience was that there were no cars parked in the preserve parking lot. I was the only person there on a beautiful early summer day. I figured I would enjoy hiking on the trails in privacy where I could croon to myself and enjoy the scenic valley views even though there were no wildflowers to be seen, just tall grass. But low and behold there was life on the trails.Insect life--swarms of a particular creature (it seemed like an insect but maybe it was a different type of creature). It looked like a small very thin and long moth that would stay right in the middle of the trail and when it moved it would fly but very low for the most part. There must have been thousands of these insects on the trails that I took. The insects would move as I approached--well most of them would move! When they did they would fly around and then land further in the direction I was walking and not away from me, darn it! It was either like I was their mother and wanted my protection or they were doing a mating technique and wanted me as a partner in life. I tried to tell them I wasn't their parent and if they were trying to date me, it wouldn't work out. But did they listen--no! I wish my real life dates would have such persistence, lol!
I only took the Tehachapi Viewpoint trail and South Bloom trail that connects with the prior trail to make a loop. At first I walked very cautiously after encountering the insects but that didn't seem to drive them away so I then started walking faster which didn't really seem to change their behavior much, but it got me back to the parking lot much quicker! And boy was I glad to get back! It was like being in one of those low budget monster creature movies they used to make--but with only one human starring in it! Instead of making money on the film, I had to pay a $10 dollar parking fee--which I actually didn't mind putting in the envelope provided because this is a state park and they are in a crisis financially.
Anyway, if anyone can identify the insect/creature I'm describing can you send me a message. I'm very curious to find out what that creature is called! -
Review from Scott B.
4/17/2011 3 photos
I came here with a friend over the weekend. We went to the building that housed the gift shop/museam and the staff told us where the best displays were, even though it wasn't quite a full poppy bloom. Actually, this year was kinda weak. It's only my second year of Poppy pictures, so maybe in a few weeks it'll pop and be amazing. I might go back. But still, the place had plenty of flowers blooming, plenty of little lizards scurrying about, and we didn't run into any rattlesnakes. I did get attacked by little black bugs. I bought a book mark and some poppy seeds at the store (2 dollars each) By the time I got in the car, I had several dozen of them climbing the back of my white t-shirt that my friend had to swat off me. Apparently they like bright clothing. So, until the bugs go away, avoid bright clothing when you go and enjoy nature.
-
Review from Jason D.
Lancaster, CA
8/10/2011
A must see during the season!
-
Review from CJ J.
4/27/2010 5 photos
Poppy Day!!!! I was so happy when my friends said we're going hiking in a poppy reserve! It was really vast and pretty. They were ALL of the place!!! Seriously all over the place.
It was so silly because I was like "Wow!!! They're super orange!? I had no idea they were SO bright?" After some time passed I realized UH DUH CJ you're wearing sunglasses and it has a tint of red/brown. LOL!!!! I took some pictures with my camera behind a sunglass lens to show how I saw it. :)
Hiking was nice, the bugs WERE NOT, and the wait to get into the parking lot wasn't TOO bad I guess. My girls and I were flicking bugs away, screaming, and laughing while waiting to park so it was all good.
Thank goodness for the strong wind!! I wouldn't have been able to stand the massive bug attack any longer. Next year I will need to pack a lunch. I felt so left out! LOL. EVERYONE picnics there and everything looked so tasty. mmmMmmMm!Listed in: Broke & Bored, Botanical Gardens/Hikes &…
-
Review from Susan C.
Los Angeles, CA
8/20/2008 1 photo
I've never seen anything like it, and no photograph can truly convey the vibrance of thousands of poppies spilling over the ground and hillsides like a bucket of orange paint spilled across canvas (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). The color was so bright that I had to avert my eyes from time to time because it was uncomfortable to stare at for too long.
Poppies are usually at their peak in mid April and are in season only for a short time; somewhere between the middle of March to the beginning of May. I recommend going at their peak. You can keep track of updates to the California State Parks website or call the poppy hot-line! The hot-line and website are updated daily and there you'll find information about the climate and an overall report about the condition of the poppies, which are, of course, affected by the weather.
You have to pay to get into the "reserve," but in reality the poppies are everywhere! Just pull over and walk or four-wheel it up one of the dirt roads! The flowers are delicate so be careful not to trample them or they may not come back the following season.
It also gets windy, so I recommend not wearing a short tube dress even if the passing traffic suggests otherwise. I also highly recommend bringing a homemade shrimp sandwich with cilantro pesto, mixed greens, applewood smoked bacon, tomato, and avocado on a ciabatta roll. But it's just a suggestion. Last but not least, bring your sweetheart or a good friend! This is a good place to woo your girl and an easy way for boyfriends to earn brownie points. Ahem. ;-) -
Review from Aaron G.
Downtown, Los Angeles, CA
4/19/2010 5 photos
surreal, breath-taking, peaceful... good vibes all around. Picnic at the top! Definitely make a stop at the fields on 170th St.
Like most things in life... timing is key. -
Review from Ani P.
9/11/2008
Oh nature, I bow to your majestic beauty. How could I not fall in love with your bright sea of orange?
This is the perfect place to go on a romantic hike. Perfect place to go with the kids and family. Perfect place to grab friends and chill and bask in natural beauty. Awesome idea for a Yelp UYE.
If you live in SoCal and you haven't been - Shame Shame Shame. This is a natural wonder. A spectacle to behold.
My friend and I made a day trip up to Antelope Valley. We both wore orange to be simpatico with the poppies. Los Angeles to Antelope Valley is definitely a day trip. It was a very scenic drive. I felt like I was transported out of Los Angeles and driving on quaint windy roads in New England. We parked our car inside the reserve. I believe it was a nominal fee.
SIDENOTE: If you don't want to pay money to enter the reserve then just pull over on the side of the street. There are poppies everywhere. Don't pick them!!!!!
The sea of orange took my breathe away. For as far as the eye could see, there was orange happiness. Literally, like someone painted it. It didn't even look real. How can a flower be so vivid, bright and utterly gorgeous? It was intensely windy when we were there. Doesn't make for a good hair day, but you'll get a lot of volume! There is no shelter from the scorching sun. Wear sunblock. Bring water. A hat could be super helpful. There's approximately 8 miles of trails to hike on.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT VENTURE OFF THE TRAIL or a park ranger will whoop your ass and you effin deserve it. There were some ass-hats that kept walking off the trails and squishing the poppies. Someone even picked a poppy and put it in her hair. I wanted to slap the sh*t out of the b*tch. Preserve our poppies. Trust me, I understand the urge to want to dive right into the poppies and be one with them. You have got to exert some self-control and just say no.
Poppy season starts February to mid-May, but check with the Antelope Valley to confirm when they are in full bloom. You do not want to miss this. It is awe-inspiring beauty. I promise you.
After the end of your hike and communing with the poppies there's a picnic area to grub down. This can be a romantic picnic or a smorgess board food fest with friends. -
Review from philip m.
Redondo Beach, CA
4/29/2010
Once you get past the slow urban sprawl that is Lancaster, past the power lines, the jail, and if you come around this desolate corner around spring time, you'll see where mother nature expressed her love for the california poppy.
The lazy, rolling hills are painted with the vibrant orange of this native flower. The well-insulated floor of the plains can be walked on even with sandals. This piece of heaven is highly recommended. -
Review from nancy R.
12/30/2009
This is an amazing place to take the family to for a nice spring picnic.
Parking is now $8, as a fellow yelper pointed out, if you do not want to pay for parking you can park down the side of the road and walk up to the entrance.
Get there early parking fills up fast. You can take a food and eat at the benches after you meander through the trails. But STAY ON THE TRAILS.
The trails run through rolling hills so no strenuous hikes. If you're taking little ones, which I did, they'll be sure to LOVE IT ... just let the roam around the trail.
What to bring:
Food for picnic
Sunblock
Water
Location - Directions
Take the 14: Exit Avenue I and head west 15 miles. Avenue I becomes Lancaster Road. -
Review from Daryl S.
Burbank, CA
5/26/2010 1 photo
This place is BEAUTIFUL!!!! It was pretty busy on a weekend in April, but didn't feel like it! There are a variety of trails to walk on through a maze of beautiful poppies! It was a wonderland of orange as far as the eye could see.
There was a line of cars to the street, but it didn't take long to get in and there was lots of parking.
Stop at In & Out Burger on the way home, it makes for the perfect afternoon!!! -
Review from jess a.
4/11/2009
What a beautiful place, and what good timing you have to have to see some beautiful blooms!
The California poppy is such a beautiful plant, and so sensitive they are. Like those before me have said...if there's not enough rain in the winter, they don't bloom, they can reach their peak earlier than expected and then just disappear.
Every year I try to get here, and I either forget or I miss the peak bloom. This year I missed the peak bloom, but I was still able to see a pretty beautiful display of poppies. It wasn't the blanket of orange I was hoping for, but beautiful nonetheless.
Definitely worth the drive! -
Review from Larry M.
4/12/2009
I learned a lot about poppies on a recent trip. Mainly, they have a relatively short bloom cycle. So, any big bloom will not be around for long. Also, the quantity can vary greatly from year to year.
I had never been and checked their website to know when to time our visit. The website predicted the peak bloom "within 1 to 2 weeks." Just over a week later, they posted and said the peak had come and gone. So, we went even though we knew we were going to miss the peak bloom.
They charge a parking fee of $5.00. I always wonder if it is really worth it for the state to employ two people to take $5 per car and pay to build a little hut to house these people in to collect the $5. I mean, there was not a lot of people here, but what do I know.
Anyway, there are lots of trails and it is a beautiful area. They have a 1980's era mini museum which sells all sorts of poppy paraphernalia. The staff was able to point us to the specific trails that had the best blooms.
In the end, it was a nice day and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are coming for poppies, you will see more along the roads before the park than you will here (at least this year).Listed in: In the Footsteps of Huell…
-
Review from mark w.
Los Angeles, CA
3/23/2010
One of my favorite places, sort of. I've never actually been to the reserve. However almost every year I start driving there and then stop at a random field of flowers on the side of the road near the reserve. It's so beautiful and so much fun to run through the flowers. You have to go. It's weird how such a desperate landscape can be totally transformed once a year. It really is a site to see. One of the most beautiful things in the State of California.
It's almost time to go this year. I'm so excited.
Tie it in with a trip to the cat house, I always do.
http://www.cathouse-fc.../
Oh and stop for lunch at the Whole Wheatery
http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from Brian U.
Sylmar, CA
4/4/2010
This is a gorgeous place to visit when the flowers are blooming. I went there today, Easter Sunday, and there were nice blankets of flowers consisting mainly of orange poppies, yellow goldfields and fiddlenecks, and purple lupines. The park ranger called it an "average" year. It looked pretty awesome to me today, so I'd really like to come back on an "excellent" year and be amazed beyond belief.
The Reserve has short, hilly, looping trails about 2 to 5 miles long. The paths are clearly marked and well maintained. A very short stretch of path is paved which can be useful for people in wheelchairs. There are also benches along the paths.
When you go, be prepared for the wind. Who do I complain to about the wind? Just kidding. 25 to 35 mph winds are common and there can be gusts that can almost knock you over. Although it would be great to have a picnic there, it's not because of the winds and you're not supposed to stray from the paths.
Although I've been accused of spreading unhappiness with my Yelp reviews, I'm about to seriously spread some right now. For those who stop at a roadside poppy field on private land, SHAME ON YOU! Firstly, for being too cheap to pay the $8 which helps the State of California keep the Reserve open. Secondly, for trampling and hurting the very poppies we are all trying to enjoy and preserve. Don't treat something so beautiful as wildflowers with such disdain! -
Review from Gloria W.
Monterey Park, CA
3/12/2011
I went there today base on Phillips recommendation as it appeared he went there a few days ago. There are no poppies yet. Don't go. It will still be a few weeks before they bloom. When they do it will be spectacular. But not yet.
-
Review from Marina S.
Los Altos, CA
1/15/2009
All over the state of California, the blooming season is abuzz. From the fertile lands of the San Joaquin Valley stretching from Oakland to Bakersfield, the blooming of the fruit trees attracts visitors from all over the world and nearby states. It's the time of the year when mother nature offers its beauty to all to appreciate. During the first weeks of February, depending on the right amount of rain and sunshine, we can enjoy this annual visual feast in the Central Valley of California.
For those of us who enjoy going on wild flower hikes, we know what comfort we get from watching the wild flowers growing all over the roads leading to Yosemite and other mountain areas. We always keep our eyes open to spot the state's official flower, the California Poppy. Nowhere else can you find it than at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. I almost lost my breath the first time I went to this reserve located near Lancaster. Thanks to all the Winter rains in February, we can expect to see these wild, bright orange poppies springing all over the reserve this year. Now is the time for you to pay a visit to the reserve just like many other tourists and motorists who are appreciating this natural jewel. You will never regret being there. If you have friends visiting you from other states and kids, they will thank you very much for taking them to this unique spot in California.
Poppies and other wild flowers at the reserve
Just imagine driving by the rolling hillsides of green grass with wild, bright orange flowers interspersed among all over. At Antelope, it's a pure mat of poppies and other flowers you will see for all the 1,760 acres of the reserve. If you ask the park's officials and those who are familiar with the reserve, they will be able to tell you some of the flowers names. For example, I learned about the yellow Bigelow's Coreopsis and purple Red Stem Filaree. The reserve's volunteers are more than willing to help visitors out. As the 100th anniversary of the poppy's status as the state's flower is drawing near, many activities are being planned for the occasion.
In front of these vast acres of natural beauty, one can't stop wondering about these Spring decors. Almost every year, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve reminds us that Spring is right around the corner. The long days of Winter are far behind us. Soon these beautiful flowers will withered away by the heat of the Summer months. Everything will be browned out. It's time to get out and enjoy the weather.
I have traveled a lot, but I have never seen anything like that. Something so wild, yet so beautiful! Once in a while, it's worth taking the time to enjoy what's available to us, for free all around us. We don't have to pay a cent to enjoy this natural museum. -
Review from wil r.
Merit-Carson, CA
4/24/2009
We just went here for the first time march 2009.
I know we will always go there every spring from now on.
What a treat the wildflowers were just wonderful.
Don't forget your camera if you hit it just right there are lots of fields of color in the area.
The only thing I would advise is to bring your jacket we had to cut our stay a little short due to the cold windy conditions. -
Review from Ella F.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2011
If you hit this place on the right day, in the right year, you will remember it for the rest of your life as absolutely spectacular. Magnificent fields and hills of poppies as far as the eye can see. It doesn't happen every year, however.
-
Review from Kelly C.
Jacksonville, FL
6/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
Gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous! Bright orange as far as the eye can see, the California poppies were in full bloom when I went. It's only about a 1.5hr drive from LA so if you can make it out, I would highly recommend it. I hear the poppies die off real quick though so you gotta hurry while they're still around!! (I went about 2 months ago)
-
Review from lottie t.
5/2/2010 4 photos
The reserve is so gorgeous! Make sure you go during the Poppy season when they're in full bloom. I was expecting more colors, but they're basically all orange, it's still gorgeous to see the fields covered with them. Before you get to the reserve, there are areas covered with poppies, and you can run out into the field to take pictures. Once you're in the reserve, you can't veer off the trail. So you can't take pictures in the fields. In the reserve though, there are hills, so the pictures come out a lot nicer. Also, pick your trails carefully. Some trails don't have as much poppies and others are filled with poppies. None of the trails are too long, so if you pick the one least traveled on, no worries, it doesn't take up too much time to get to another trail.
-
Review from Jun W.
Alhambra, CA
4/7/2009 1 photo
I've been here several times, and on every occasion I have missed the peak blooming time. This year, I thought I had it down. I figured it's the beginning of April, we had a decent rain session, so the blooms should be spectacular. Well, to my disappoint I saw nothing but dried plants. Sigh! Sure there were a few patches here and there, but nothing like I've seen in pictures. Well, guess there's always next year.
-
Review from Jesse L.
Glendale, CA
4/11/2009
We went here for the first time last weekend, and I'm sure it won't be our last visit. There were tons of wildflowers, especially a little bright yellow flower called goldfield that turns whole fields into seas of shimmering gold. Apparently it's not the best year for poppies, but we certainly saw enough to justify the drive out there. There are miles of trails, and a visitor center with volunteers who can help you find the best flower views or identify wildlife you've seen.
It would be remiss to visit the Poppy Reserve without thoroughly investigating their website first. They give updates about the poppy bloom to try to help visitors time their visits. Also, they are not kidding: bring sunscreen and a jacket (it's windy as hell up there!), and watch your step... we saw a large Mojave "green" rattlesnake sunning itself on one of the trails.
Marginal poppy bloom, wind, and rattlesnakes notwithstanding, this is an amazing place and I highly recommend a visit. -
Review from Patrick D.
Los Angeles, CA
7/7/2009
Nice visitor center. Too bad the poppies had a hard winter when I went -- only a few were out. I got to get back here when they had a better rainy season and mild winter. Overall, still enjoyable.
-
Review from nic p.
Alhambra, CA
4/14/2010 1 photo
Four stars and not five because I am not a huge fan of wind blowing my already naturally frizzy hair....Now, this place is only a little over an hour away from Alhambra with out traffic. A girl friend and I made a day of it, we stopped off at Denny's and then off to the Poppy Reserve. We first stopped off in a field and spent twenty minutes taking pictures in the field where there was a family having a picnic. It was very sweet. After the twenty minutes in the fields feeling like kids again, we drove up to the poppy reserve paid our $8.00 for parking and were on our way up the little trail. When you pay your fee, they make it very clear that you need to stay on the trail - this was reiterated to the Asian tourist family that the ranger kept screaming at to stay on the trail about 50 times, I don't think they spoke English. Up the little trail you see what looks like it goes on forever of these beautiful orange little flowers that pictures don't do justice. If you are apt to getting hungry, bring yourself a little snack. I guess there are rattle snakes up there, we didn't see any - only lizards and birds. I suggest all Angelinos make the trip in those first couple of weeks when the flowers bloom - you won't regret it!
-
Review from mike s.
Long Beach, CA
4/27/2010
Jaw droppingly gorgeous. It looks completely unreal. Endless fields of bright orange poppies. I went here on April 24th and the poppies were still in full bloom. Don't know how much longer that is going to last. A few suggestions: don't pay the eight bucks to park at the "official" poppy reserve. You can park on the highway outside the reserve for free and walk in (it's a ten minute walk). Or better yet you can skip the reserve completely and drive east for a couple of miles past the reserve. There are many places where you can just pull over and walk into the fields. There are far fewer people in these fields than at the reserve itself and it doesn't cost you anything. Plus you get to come into much closer contact with the flowers. It's a much better experience than dealing with the crowds at the reserve. The reserve does have trails that lead to some hilltops that have some good panoramic views, but that's about it. Plus it's windy as hell on top of those hills.
