We love California not just because of its beaches and sunny weather throughout the year but also for its natural beauty all over the state. We have been living in LA for three years but this is the first time we are witnessing California hills covered with green layers of nature giving way to the wildflowers and California’s state flower the Golden Poppies. We have seen pics on Instagram and Facebook of California being covered in orange/golden flowers from the past but always wondered when this happens and where we can experience this bloom of nature. Fortunately this year we had a good amount of rainfall which has made the golden state glow again making it look like what we have seen on social media and heard from other people. This has become a new obsession for us as we explore different hikes looking for Poppies and Wildflowers every weekend and it keeps us up at night searching for new walks to experience this bloom of nature to the maximum.
Below are a few hikes around LA where Poppies are already blooming or expected to grow soon. If you love being in nature or even if you don’t, go check them out and experience the California Superbloom at its best.
- Waterman Canyon, San Bernadino
- Bane Ridge Trail, Chino Hills
- Weir Canyon Trail, Anaheim Hill
- Walker Canyon, Lake Elsinore (CLOSED for Public)
1. Waterman Canyon, San Bernadino
This short hike in San Bernardino is overflowing with the magical carpet of African Daisies. We highly recommend visiting during the day when the flowers are awake. The hike is right next to Highway 18 and has limited parking at a lookout point. You can walk up the hill to get a view from the top or you can go to the bottom of the hill via the dirt road on the side of the parking area. So, while you are waiting for Superbloom of poppies, right now is the perfect time to check out this beautiful place in San Bernardino. There are very narrow trails on the hill where you might see few people walking in the flowers but we recommend not doing that as you will end up walking on the daises and destroying the flowers.
Location: Waterman Canyon Lookout point parking
Date Visited: Feb19th2023
2. Bane Ridge Trail, Chino Hills State Park
The trail is inside Chino Hills State Park which has three different entrances. This hike can be accessed from the Chino Hills entrance at 4721 Sapphire Road, Chino Hills from where you have to drive the narrow road for a few minutes before reaching the entry gate and pay an entry fee of $10 to enter the park. We visited this trail during the last weekend of January 2023, with all the hills covered with green plants and poppies waiting to bloom. The parking was limited at the trailhead so we waited for a few minutes before getting a spot. You can also park right after entering the park near the restrooms. Park closes at 5 pm and the park rangers start making announcements around 4:30 PM, so we recommend going early in the day to enjoy it to the maximum. Please stay on the trail and not tramp or walk on the poppies to take that Instagram picture.
Location: Bane Ridge Trail
Date Visited: Jan28th2023
3. Weir Canyon Trail, Anaheim Hills
Located in the Anaheim Hills, Weir Canyon is another beautiful trail to see Poppies and wildflowers in Southern California. A few patches of flowers are already blooming at many places along the trail, especially along the Deer Weed Trail which connects the loop of Weir Canyon. The hike starts at Anaheim Hills riding and walking trail (6984 E Overlook Terrace, Anaheim) with parking available along the road. Alternatively, you can also park at the end of Ave De Santiago road (limited street parking) which will take you closer to the Deer Weed section of the trail where you can see the poppies. Take the entry on the left side to the Old Weir Canyon Trail and after walking ~0.4 miles you will reach another trail (Deer Weed) to the right which will take you to the poppies. The trailhead is in a residential area so please drive and park responsibly and always stay on the designated trails to preserve the Poppies. You can always get a perfect picture from the trail without stepping on the flowers and disturbing nature.
Location: Weir Canyon Parking
Date Visited: Feb12th2023
4. Walker Canyon, Lake Elsinore
Unfortunately, hikes along Walker canyon are closed for public access this season but you can view hills while driving along I-15. We are planning to watch from a distance as poppies are already showing up on hills. For more information on trail closures, you can read this announcement from the City of Lake Elsinore.
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