Acres and acres of golden poppies align Antelope Valley in Lancaster, California. The Golden Poppy, also known as the California Poppy, is California’s state flower. While last year the area was full of social media influencers and selfie-takers, this year the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is closed due to safety measures for COVID-19. But, luckily for us, the Golden Poppy blooms can seem from miles around in Antelope Valley.
When driving through Antelope Valley the orange color illuminates the surface area. It literally looks like a field of orange from afar. Upon getting closer you can see the thousands of poppy fields.
Not only do you start to see the poppies, but you also smell them. The scent reminds me of the aroma of a beet vegetable. It is a distinct smell that complements the neon-colored flower, that cannot be missed.
When do poppies bloom?
The flower blooms from mid-February through mid-May. Blooming seasons are dependent on the amount of rainfall during the winter to early spring seasons. Wikipedia
Here is my video tour of the Poppy Fields. I hope you enjoy the video along with the photographs and information below.
Walking in the poppies creates dirt patches and may result in a ticket. DO NOT walk where others have already damaged the habitat; it will compound the damage and leave a scar for years to come. California Parks Department
Next year, the 1800 acre Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, hopes to be open to see even more spectacular poppies. But, you can still visit the reserve virtually and view their live feed stream at https://www.parks.ca.gov/live/poppyreserve .
Don’t worry, I am on a poppy path.
While I did not visit Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, the area around it is full of fields of poppy. The Lancaster Poppy Fields were marvelous in their overwhelming color. If you are looking for poppy fields near you, Pennsylvania and outside Los Angeles in Lancaster, California are two to visit in the United States.
Here is a handy, infographic guide on what to bring to California’s Poppy Fields below. I hope you enjoyed my photos and video. If you visit Antelope Valley’s Poppy Fields, please share your experience in the comments!
