Tips for Viewing Wildflowers

• Never pick or disturb the flowers
• Wear appropriate clothing
• Keep an eye on the weather
• Check websites and national databases for bloom status updates

California – Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

Although the renowned “super bloom” is unlikely to take place this year, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is a state-protected reserve of California which harbors the most consistent blooms of California poppies, the state flower. The reserve is located in the rural west side of Antelope Valley in northern Los Angeles County and should be considered a must-see when looking for your wildflower fix in the California region. 

South Dakota – Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave National Monument encompasses 1,274 acres, which includes habitats of ponderosa pine forest and open meadows caused by the Jasper Fire in August 2000. The monument hosts a rich diversity of native plants that complement the herbarium of southwestern South Dakota, specifically the southern Black Hills (Custer County, South Dakota).

Established in 1908, the monument preserves and protects its ecosystem and geologic features for scientific study and public enjoyment. The dominant vegetation is ponderosa pine (with a variety of understory species), interspersed with multiple plants of the mixed-grass prairie. As noted, the Jasper Fire significantly altered the monument’s vegetation by burning through a land area of about 83,500 acres.

Colorado – Crested Butte

Crested Butte is well-known for its abundance of wildflowers and often referred to as “Colorado’s Wildflower Capital.” With Varieties such as Columbine, Lupine, Sunflowers, Indian Paintbrush, Larspur and some 50 other types of flowers call this spectacular area of the Rocky Mountains home. Due to the typical late seasonal bloom, those that are looking to travel near the end of the season can find the best blooms in July and August. 

You can attend the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, July 9 – 16, 2021 which features photo workshops, garden tours, cooking classes, backcountry tours, trail walks, overnight outings, and more. There are over 300+ events taking places over the span of 10 days and registration is set to open on 4/29/2021.

Visit crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org  for additional details on this year’s festival.

New Hampshire – Sugar Hill

Around early to mid-June you will find endless fields of Lupines going into full bloom against the backdrop of the Franconia, Presidential, and Kinsman Mountain ranges. One of the most popular areas to catch the annual bloom is Sugar Hill, NH which is known world-wide for its Sugar Hill Lupine Festival. Sadly, this year’s festival has been cancelled due to social distancing concerns but you’re still able to catch the breathtaking landscape by vehicle through the various surrounding roads. 

Sources:

• Places in the U.S. to See Wildflowers | www.travelandleisure.com
• Plants | www.wildflower.org
• Crested Butte – Colorado | www.tripstodiscover.com
• Where to See Best Wildflowers | www.skyscanner.com
• Learn – Nature – Plants | www.nps.gov
• Crested Butte Wildflower Festival | crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org