Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

   A wet and cool spring produced super blooms everywhere in southern California but none match the display at the Poppy Reserve. The hills are covered with thousands of poppies and tiny goldfields.

    Seven miles of interconnected trails climb to the hilltops and circle back to the parking lot. The interpretive center has a short video and a gift shop.

    We visited on a weekday around 3:00 and didn’t wait in line very long but weekends can be very busy. Poppies also cover the hills east of the reserve and there’s room on the side of the road to stop  so that’s an option if the reserve is crowded. The poppies close about 4:00 in the afternoon and if it’s very windy or cold.

    Everything is uphill from the parking lot. A short paved section leads to an overlook. Wheelchair users may need assistance to climb the hill. We walked/rolled counter clockwise along the two mile, unpaved loop at the west end of the reserve. It starts with a steep uphill then goes gradually back down with a few rolling sections. An energetic helper is necessary. It may be easier to go clockwise. The interpretive center is accessible.

    RV and bus parking is at the far end of a gravel lot. Wheelchair users may need assistance to get to the paved trail and the interpretive center because of the uphill grade. Reserve 34.73046, -118.39185