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The Best National Parks To See The Spring Superbloom This Year

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Spring is upon us, and forecasters are predicting a rare superbloom throughout the U.S. Southwest and California.  Although California saw its last superbloom in 2019, this phenomenon typically only happens every 10 to 15 years due to the very specific conditions required. 

The best national parks to see the spring superbloom this year

Superblooms occur throughout grassland and desert regions, which generally don’t get much rainfall.  More rainfall than usual in the fall and winter seasons, paired with mild temperatures and lack of wind, can cause dormant seeds to hydrate and sprout, resulting in a massive bloom of wildflowers come spring.

Wildflowers will start to bloom as early as February and can even be seen into June and July, but peak season is March to April.  You can find them in arid regions of California, Arizona, and Nevada, and of course, state and national parks are some of the best wildflower-spotting locations.

So here are 5 national parks you can visit this spring to see the superbloom:

Close up of lupines and California poppies in a field of wildflowers

1. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a spectacular and unique desert landscape on the border of California and Nevada.  It is one of the more famous places to seek out a superbloom, likely because it’s such a rare occurrence. 

Being the hottest place on earth, this environment isn’t usually conducive to producing blankets of wildflowers.  That makes it an incredible sight to see when conditions are perfect enough for a superbloom to take place here.  In the spring, whether there’s a superbloom or not, visitors can see wildflowers such as desert gold, evening primrose, and desert lilies, as well as a variety of cacti.

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Field of wildflowers with mountains in the distance in Death Valley National Park

2. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is another National Park well-known for its spring blooms.  Located in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is named after its unusual Joshua trees, but it’s also home to a diverse array of wildflowers. 

Here you’ll find the famed California poppy, the state flower of California, as well as 250 other species of wildflowers.  Blooming begins throughout the Pinto Basin in early spring and in higher elevations in late spring and even into June.

Purple and yellow wildflowers blooming in Joshua Tree National Park

3. Channel Islands National Park

Located off the coast of Southern California, Channel Islands National Park is the only seaside park on this list, giving a drastically different landscape and environment than its desert counterparts. 

This also means a different and distinct variety of wildflowers, including beach primroses and seaside daisies.  Consisting of five islands, blooming typically begins earliest in the southeast. 

Wildflowers blooming along a coastal cliff in the Channel Islands, California

4. Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park also has a distinct landscape, most notably its jagged rock formations and numerous caves.  Its sprawling grasslands and hillsides are perfect for seeing vibrant poppies, lupines, and monkey flowers in the spring. 

In this park, you can also find some rare and endangered wildflowers that you won’t see elsewhere, like the yellow mariposa lily and California jewel flower.  The stunning scenery, paired with its unique wildflowers, makes Pinnacles National Park a must for a spring superbloom hike.

Bluebonnets in a field during sunset

5. Lassen Volcanic National Park

In Lassen Volcanic National Park, you’ll find similar wildflowers to the others: the California poppy, vibrant blue lupines, and orange and yellow monkey flowers.  However, you’ll also find yet another distinct and breathtaking landscape that includes volcanic formations, rolling dunes, and tranquil lakes. 

Multiple trails wind through the various peaks, including the Lassen Peak Trail, which will take you to the summit of the active volcano.  Because of its elevation, the best time to see the wildflowers here will be throughout the summer months, starting in May and ending towards August (and even into September for Mount Lassen).

Purple and orange wildflowers blooming along a coastal road during sunset

A Few Extra Tips

Some other things to keep in mind for your own safety, as well as the sake of responsible travel, are:

  • Watch out for rattlesnakes (and other wildlife).
  • Leave no trace – please don’t pick any of the wildflowers or remove anything from the national parks, and of course, pick up after yourself.
  • Stay on trails – for your own safety and the protection of the wildlife.
  • Bring an EpiPen and/or first aid kit with you on your hikes.
  • Of course, you’ll want to photograph the spectacular fields of wildflowers, but unfortunately, drones are not permitted in any national parks.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.


Paul Salasar

Monday 20th of February 2023

Strange that you didn't mention the very famous Southern CA Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, known for some of the greatest superblooms in the state

Sandra

Monday 20th of February 2023

There is superblooms in LA communities. But now local officials are banning visits due to high traffic and inconsiderations of others / residents.