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If you’ve been waiting for a reason to point the car toward the desert and trade L.A. traffic for wide-open skies, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is beginning to offer one. Early-season wildflowers are now blooming across parts of the park, bringing color back to the desert landscape weeks ahead of peak spring. While this isn’t a full-blown super bloom, those who know where to look will find plenty of reason to stop and smell the flowers (and to embark on the roughly three-hour drive to get there).
Right now, according to reports from the state park, Henderson Canyon Road is the standout. The area is showing the most vibrant displays, with sweeping patches of desert sand verbena, brown-eyed primrose and desert sunflower spreading across the canyon floor. Look closer, and you’ll also spot evening primrose, Spanish needles, apricot mallow and, if you’re lucky, the striking desert lily.
Elsewhere, Borrego Palm Canyon is showing early signs of color thanks to desert lavender, chuparosa, datura, yellow nightshade groundcherry, Emory’s rockdaisy and bush mallow. Coyote Canyon is also starting to wake up, though it’s currently closed to vehicle traffic at the Third Crossing gate, making it better suited for hikers.
The big question, of course, is whether this year could turn into a super bloom. So far, conditions are promising but not definitive. The park has received about 3.5 inches of rain over the past three months, according to data from the UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center, a significant amount in an area that averages around 5 inches in a year. Still, a true super bloom depends on a precise mix of steady rainfall, cool nighttime temperatures, minimal heat spikes and calm winds, and whether those conditions will line up in the coming weeks remains uncertain.
Even without a super bloom, park officials say this is still a special time to visit. “True super blooms are exceptionally rare,” said Dan McCamish, senior environmental scientist with California State Parks’ Colorado Desert District. “Even if we do not have one this year, years like this still offer beautiful, meaningful wildflower experiences if visitors take the time to explore thoughtfully.”
With more visitors already arriving, park officials and the Anza-Borrego Foundation are urging responsible behavior. Stick to designated trails to avoid damaging fragile blooms, leave dogs at home or keep them leashed on dirt roads only, watch for rattlesnakes and come prepared with water, sun protection and patience for crowds.
Wildflower conditions can change quickly, so checking updates before you go is essential. For now, the desert is stirring, and for Angelenos willing to make the drive, Anza-Borrego is offering an early glimpse of spring in one of Southern California’s most dramatic settings.
For more information and for updates, click here.