Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Located 15 miles west of Lancaster in Los Angeles County, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is transformed in the springtime from a dry and barren land into a sea of flowers. Along with the spectacle of poppies, dozens of other kinds of wildflowers can be found on or near the reserve, including owl's clover, indigo lupine, goldfield, cream cups, and golden coreopsis. The intensity and duration of the wildflower bloom varies yearly, depending on the winter rains and other conditions, but the greatest blooming period generally occurs in April.Ranging in elevation from 2,600-3000 feet, the park is situated in the high desert. Eight miles of trails through rolling hills make the park a good place to hike and explore. Shaded picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with an interpretive display and a scenic view over the valley to the San Gabriel Mountains. Although the wildflower season generally lasts from mid-March through mid-May, the park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. For more information, call the park at 661-942-0662 or you can listen to a recorded message on wildflower viewing (updated seasonally) by calling 661-724-1180.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Located 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz and 65 miles south of San Francisco, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California's oldest state park, established in 1902. The park is home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco. Spring is usually a great time to visit, because after the winter rains, the park's various waterfalls are flowing at their peak.With more than 80 miles of trails, Big Basin Redwoods offers numerous hikes of varying degrees of difficulties, including a hike to Berry Creek Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in northern California. It is approximately 70 feet high and there is a viewing platform so hikers can sit and appreciate its beauty. For further information, call the park at 831-338-8860
Henry W. Coe State Park
Situated in the mountains south and east of San Jose, Henry W. Coe State Park is the largest state park in Northern California (87,000 acres) and a wonderful place from which to observe spring wildflowers. Early in the year visitors may see white milkmaids, blue hounds tongue, or yellow buttercups. As spring progresses, the flowers become more numerous with goldfields, owls clover, butter and eggs, columbine, delphinium, and may more. Visitors might even get lucky and see the tiny purple mouse ears. Short wildflower walks are offered on Sundays from the middle of March through the Memorial DayCharacterized by grassy hills dotted with sprawling oak trees, this rugged landscape has become a local attraction for mountain bikers, day hikers, equestrians and weekend backpackers. During the springtime (around April), thousands of people flock to the fields of wildflowers. Within Coe Park are the headwaters of Coyote Creek, long stretches of the Pacheco and Orestimba creeks, and a 23,300-acre wilderness area. For more information call the park at 408-779-2728.
Since the most hard-to-get accommodations in the California State Park system are usually booked several months in advance, spring is also a good time to start making fall reservations for popular cool-weather camping spots such as the rustic cabins in Mount Tamalpais in Marin County (northern California) and the luxurious, beach-front cottages at Crystal Cove in Orange County (southern California).
