Sunday, March 13, 2011

Life In The Desert

If you stop and look closely, you'll notice the deserts are coming to life as winter wraps up and spring prepares to make its 2011 appearance.

For those of you that are interested in viewing the colorful wildflowers as they start to blossom, decorating the sandy washes and barren rocky hillsides of Anza Borrego State Park, it's time to start paying close attention to the wildflower reports.

I'm interested. Which wildflower reports should I follow?


The absolute best wildflower reports that I have discovered online are those from DesertUSA.com. They not only follow the current wildflower conditions, but they also supply good information as to the best possible viewing areas, which will save you both time and money as you explore the desert valleys. DesertUSA.com also includes not only reports for Anza Borrego State Park, but also many other popular locations such as Death Valley, Joshua Tree Nation Park, and many others.

While you should be able to obtain maps and other relevant printed wildflower information from your local desert nature center or park headquarters, if you have a smart phone, you can also try the online wildflower field guide from DesertUSA.com.

If you enjoy the wildflowers and would like to see more, you may also consider checking out the poppy reserve in Antelope Valley, CA. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve offers up 8 miles of trials that lead through rolling hills that are covered with brightly colored poppies. There is also an annual poppy festival in April for those that are interested.

Whatever you decide, make sure to watch the reports closely, get your camera batteries charged up, and get out there and experience the beauty of our deserts during spring.

Wildflowers and mountain backdrops from Anza Borrego State Park taken by Todd Bryan Photography
Wildflowers from Anza Borrego State Park. Spring 2010


Desert Dandelion and Arizona Lupine from Anza Borrego State Park, taken by Todd Bryan Photograph
Arizona Lupine and Desert Dandelion. Spring 2010

Brittlebrush closeups at Anza Borrego State Park, taken by Todd Bryan Photography
Brittlebrush closeups from Anza Borreo. Spring 2010