A wet winter and early storms left enough water in the ground that wildflowers are erupting across the state.
At the Carrizo Plain National Monument, the first swaths of yellow and orange are up on the lower slopes of the Temblor Mountains. A wet winter and an early warm spell have moved the bloom ahead of schedule — the carpet of color can appear almost overnight and be gone within weeks. Plan on getting there early. Pay attention to the weather. Don’t be afraid to turn back if the weather changes, the roads are jammed, or the area is too crowded.
Take the usual precautions: the monument has almost no services nearby — no reliable water, food, fuel, or charging within a long drive — and many roads are dirt and turn impassable after storms. Stick to designated roads and trails, run a full tank or fully charged vehicle, check road conditions before you go, and don’t count on cell service or roadside help. Parking and primitive camping at BLM day-use spots are first-come, first-served and often fill early on weekends; have a backup plan before you leave.
If Carrizo is crowded or roads are dicey, consider alternatives with good early displays and fewer crowds. For alternative wildflower-viewing areas, the public can visit the Merced River Recreation Management Area in Mariposa County, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Lake County, or the Fort Ord National Monument in Monterey County. Rangers and managers are posting bloom updates; a quick call to the Goodwin Education and Visitors Center or a check of the BLM page will save you a wasted trip.
You can find out more HERE.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation offers wildflower viewing safety tips HERE.