California is known as the Golden State for numerous reasons, one being their state flower, the California Poppy. During the springtime, between March and April, these stunning golden flowers bloom into action all over the state and spread their golden color throughout the hillsides, bringing a little more warmth to the state.
One of the great things about California is enjoying these flowers once they bloom, so read on and learn everything you need to know about poppy fields in California!
California Poppy Fields
There’s a variety of fields you can go to where you can easily view and enjoy the poppies. Experience the poppies bloom is something you’ll never want to miss, especially if you’re only visiting California.
When you head out to these mountains and parks to enjoy the poppies, please remember to be respectful of the property, don’t pick or trample the flowers, and keep in mind California’s “leave no trace” rules.
Everything you Need to Know About Poppy Fields in California
When do California Poppies Bloom?
Typically, you can see the poppies start their bloom around March. Sometimes they bloom a little sooner, around mid-February but it can also take as long as mid-May to make their appearance. A lot of science goes into the poppies blooming, mainly the temperature and amount of rain California gets in a year for them to make their appearance.
Once the flowers bloom, they’ll be in action for around 4-weeks. To know if you’re about to miss your opportunity to witness the flowers, pay attention to the temperature. When California begins to heat up, the flowers will die off.
Where to see poppy fields in California?
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
- Oroville, CA
Sitting right outside of Sacramento is the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, which is covered with poppies during the springtime. You need to grab a land pass and be prepared to access the area since all this region tends to be a little busier during the poppy time. To view this California Poppy fields, you can enter the park and greet them right off the bat.
The best area to view the poppies is Phantom Falls and Ravine Falls. Round trip, the trail is 5.5-miles, but the hike is mild, and if you can walk the distance, it won’t be too hard for anyone to experience. Read more about the park and the passes here.
Poppy Meadows of Merced Valley and Hite Cove
- Merced, CA
If you’re heading into Yosemite during the spring, make sure to stop at Poppy Meadows to glance at the golden flowers. You can easily view the flowers by strolling along the Hite Cove Trail along the Merced River. The trail is around a 4-miles long round trip with an elevation gain of 1,900-feet, so it could be a little challenging for some.
You don’t have to hike on the trail to view the wildflowers, and it is just a bonus if you’re in the area. The first 0.75-miles of the path are on private property, which you’re allowed to access to get to the rest of the trail but remember to be respectful to those who own it. If you decide to forego the hike, the flowers are easily accessible from the parking lot.
Dry Creek Wildflower Meadows Tulare County
- Visalia, CA
Dry Creek is the third largest and healthiest woodlands known and protected in California, as well as one of the prettiest poppy fields in California. You need to take no specific trail to view these flowers; instead, you enter the park and are greeted with a slew of poppies.
Throughout the meadows, you will also find other rare plants and sycamores protected by the state since they only grow in the specific park.
Shell Creek Road San Luis Obispo
- San Luis Obispo, CA
Part of the Los Padres National Forest is Shell Creek Road, where you can hang out and bask in the glory of golden flowers. Shell Creek Road is not part of a trail; instead, it is an easy road surrounded by mountains where the poppies bloom.
During the spring, the sides of Shell Creek Road are lined with cars from visitors coming to view the bloom and take photos, especially professional photographers. For those who want to experience California Poppy flowers but not have to worry about a hike to see them up close a personal, this is where you want to go.
Point Buchon San Luis Obispo
- San Luis Obispo, CA
Visit two incredible places in one when heading out to Point Buchon in San Luis Obispo. Sitting along the sea is a plain often covered by poppies in the spring.
Visitors can head out on the Point Buchon Trail to get a closer look at the poppies in bloom and enjoy some time in the sun. Make sure you plan to visit the trail since the park only allows 275 hikers per day.
Carrizo Plain San Luis Obispo
- San Luis Obispo, CA
One of the largest grassland plains in California is the Carrizo Plain. The plain is carpeted with millions of poppies coming into bloom during the spring. The Carrizo Plain is a national monument in California but is also endangered due to companies looking for oil.
While the plain might not look like a lot since it’s honestly a giant piece of land, it is filled with rich plants and wildlife often not seen. When enjoying the flowers, beware that the area has rattlesnakes, especially when the sun is up and hotter.
Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area
- Santa Ynez, CA
The Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area is filled with vast plant life, including the California Poppy, that you can’t miss.
It is recommended that you layer your clothing when going out to view the flowers and bring plenty of water since the temperature can dip. The roads are also narrow in the park, so drive slowly when heading to your destination.
Pinnacles National Park
- Salinas Valley, CA
Pinnacles National Park is littered with golden poppies around May, which is the perfect time to see them. Once the flowers have bloomed, over 80% of this park is covered by stunning flowers, making it almost impossible to miss them. Make sure to check out the park’s website to check closing and opening dates due to Raptor Nests.
Exploring the hillsides of California gives you the perfect opportunity to view the California Poppy and enjoy this golden flower that lines the state. While to some, it is only a flower, others enjoy the sight of the stunning California Poppy fields and the arrival of springtime.