California's Largest State Park Has the Best Wildflower Super Blooms in the State

Wandering down a trail lined with wildflowers is good for the soul. If you're based near Southern California or planning a spring visit, I suggest you stop at one of my all-time favorite wildflower destinations. The Anza-Borrego Desert is home of one of the state's most famous super blooms, erupting around March every year.

Stretching about 640,000 acres from Riverside County almost to the border of Mexico, the Anza-Borrego Desert is California’s largest state park. It protects hundreds — possibly thousands — of plant and animal species, such as endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, cool kangaroo rats, the rare ghost flower, and a wealth of drought-tolerant plants. The annual wildflower super bloom is a major attraction, drawing thousands to the otherwise quiet park to see its valley floor sporting a blanket of rainbow colors.

From late February to early April, hundreds of species of wildflowers bloom at once. The Anza-Borrego Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the park, keeps an ongoing tab of what’s being spotted and even operates a wildflower hotline visitors can call for weekly updates. The botanical eruption is one of California's most beautiful super blooms, but it can be tough to predict given the timing of it is largely dependent on the weather.

Let's talk about when to go, how to find the best viewpoints to witness nature's brilliance, and where to stay near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

When to See the Anza-Borrego Super Bloom

Typically, the super bloom starts in mid-February, peaks around mid-March, and lasts until April. The timing of the event is heavily impacted by weather patterns. Sun, rain, wind, and temperature are all taken into account in predicting when the wildflowers will bloom. For example, winter storms and lots of February sun can cause the colors to pop early, while unusually cool late-spring temperatures can prolong the phenomenon. Otherwise, the flowers will wither in the heat of the desert.

Where to See the Wildflowers

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is about 70 miles from San Diego and 150 miles from Los Angeles. The first viewing spot you'll see is a field alongside Henderson Canyon Road, between Borrego Valley Road and County Road S-22. Park and walk toward the field, always being careful to not step on plants — and, of course, never pick the flowers. Here, you'll probably see purple sand verbena (clustered pink-purple blooms on tall, thin stalks), brown-eyed primroses (white-pink petals with a dark-brown center), and dune evening primroses (white petals, yellow center).

Coyote Canyon is another option, and it's easily accessed from the town of Borrego Springs. The flower fields are at the mouth of the canyon, and regular sightings include desert sunflowers, verbena, and primroses. Hike some of the Lower Coyote Canyon trail from here, or drive a bit and try “The Slot,” the park’s most famous hike through a cool narrow canyon.

June Wash, about an hour's drive from Borrego Springs, is also a predictable home to wildflowers. Sandy and fun for chill desert exploring, June Wash often shines with the aforementioned flowers, but also the spindly and eye-catching ocotillo plant, which can grow up to 20 feet tall. Translated from Spanish, the name means “little torch,” as the plant’s branches sprout fiery red blooms every spring.

How to See the Wildflowers

You can go on a self-guided driving tour of the park, pulling over at viewpoints to take in the wildflowers and other sights. Or you can go on a guided tour. When the season is right, California Overland offers 2.5- and five-hour, wildflower-specific jaunts in an open-air Jeeps. If those aren't available, consider a customizable private tour. These can include daytime excursions, stargazing, some meals, and s’mores by the campfire.

Where to Stay Near the Park

Borrego Springs is a good pick for anyone aiming to stay overnight near the park. Independent hotel options each have their own charm here. La Casa De Zorro sits on 42 acres of desert and offers all kinds of accommodations, including multi-room casitas (some with private pools) ideal for families or groups. Try Palm Canyon Resort for playful Western-themed rooms, Airstreams, and jupe tents. Or for an adult-only escape (think: hot tubs and a clothing-optional pool), consider Borrego Valley Inn.