Updated: March 27, 2024
Southern California
Various desert flowers in bloom in mid-March at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park:Blooms are arriving in the heart of Borrego Springs along Henderson Canyon Road, the lower sandy dune portions of Coyote Canyon and in the southern portion of the state park along Highway S2 southeast of Agua Caliente County Park. Additionally, areas near June Wash moving northeast toward Fish Creek and Arroyo Tapiado are beginning to show the early bloomers like primrose, phacelia, and wooly sunflower. If moving south along Highway S2, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended on any unpaved park road.For more information on the current status of the bloom visit our interactive map andfollow us onFacebookandInstagram.
Small patches of California poppies blooming in late February at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve:Sporadic individual poppies are already starting to bloom. From mid-March to May, this park expects a variety of wildflowers to bloom. Poppies, fiddleneck, and red stem filaree have sprouted throughout the Poppy Reserve in large, dense quantities. Live updates from this park are available through the PoppyCam live feed. If the weather remains mild, the bloom is expected to be better this year compared to last year. If the weather turns hot, this could affect the bloom in the next few months. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Small batches of flowers and grass currently adorn Bane Canyon at Chino Hills State Park.
Chino Hills State Park:The best wildflower viewing experience takes place along Bane Canyon Road. To get a closer look, visitors can hike on Bane Ridge Trail. This year, the flowers that are blooming include Canterbury and School Bells, Arroyo Lupine, Black Mustard, Wild Radish, and California Poppies. For more information on the current status of the bloom, follow us on:FacebookandInstagram.
Red Rock Canyon State Park: Wildflowers are starting to bloom in the Western Mojave Desert. From mid-March to May, this park expects a variety of wildflowers to bloom. Desert dandelions, goldfields, lacy phacelia, chia, yellow desert primrose, and Indian paintbrush have sprouted in Hagen Canyon and along the Desert View and Ricardo trails in clusters of vibrant colors. If the weather remains mild, the bloom is expected to be good this year. If the weather turns hot, this could affect the bloom in the next few weeks. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Money flowers are in bloom at Red Rock Canyon State Park
Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area: Currently, the park has sparse flowers in scattered areas such as along Shell Reef Expressway. Visitors can seedispersed desert sand verbena, dune evening primrose, and Spanish needle in bloom. A 4X4-capable vehicle is required in many places in the park. For updates, follow us on Facebook.
Picacho State Recreation Area: Apricot mallow is blooming in the Group Camp area. A 4X4-capable vehicle is recommended but not currently required. For updates, check the park’s website.
FAQs
How many CA state parks are there? ›
About California State Parks
California Department of Parks and Recreation manages 280 park units, which contain the finest and most diverse collection of natural, cultural, and recreational resources to be found within California.
What is California largest state park? ›
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California. Five hundred miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and many miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the California Desert.
Are California State Parks free? ›
At most parks, Day Use Fees are charged for vehicle day use only. There is no charge to walk or bike into these parks. Most historical parks and museums charge a Day Use Fee per person.
What is the least popular national park in California? ›
California's national parks saw more than 11.3 million visits in 2023, but most of those crowds were in several of the state's most popular parks, according to the National Park Service. The least visited of all of the Golden State's national parks was remote Channel Islands, seeing just 328,746 visitors last year.
What is the oldest state park in California? ›
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California's oldest State Park, established in 1902. Home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco, the park consists of Old Growth and recovering Redwood Forest, with mixed conifer, oaks, chaparral, and riparian habitats.
What is the newest state park in California? ›
California's Newest State Park, Dos Rios, to Open June 12 in the San Joaquin Valley.
What is the smallest state park in California? ›
Smallest California State Park
Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park – 0.11 acres.
What is a golden bear pass? ›
This free pass provides free vehicle day-use access at over 200 California State Parks-operated units. Golden Bear passes are valid from issuance until December 31 of the year in which the pass was issued. WHO QUALIFIES. Supplemental Security Income recipients.
Which state park has the largest redwoods? ›
The tallest coast redwood is in Redwood National Park, nicknamed the Hyperion Tree. The previous record-holder was the Stratosphere Tree, found in Redwoods State Park.
Alcohol is only allowed in your overnight camp site and you may also consume alcohol from a vessel. All traffic laws apply in the park as they are state roadways. Our speed limits are low for the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and children in the park. Do not drink or boat and drive.
What is the difference between a state park and a national park in California? ›
Simply, county parks are operated by local counties, state parks by the state of California, and national parks by the federal government. Each agency has their own pass program since policies, guidelines and operations are unique.
How long can I stay at a CA state park? ›
To prevent encroachment on others the limits of each campsite may be regulated by the District Superintendent. Checkout time is 12:00 NOON. In order to provide for the greatest number of visitors possible the CAMPING LIMIT in any one campground is 30 days per calendar year.
What is the most visited national state park? ›
Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in America, by far. Last year, it drew nearly three times the visitors as the second-most visited park, Grand Canyon, according to National Park Service data.
What is the major national park in California? ›
First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.
What is the most visited city park in the US? ›
New York City Central Park.
Various desert flowers in bloom in mid-March at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.jpeg "California State Parks (3)")
Small patches of California poppies blooming in late February at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
Small batches of flowers and grass currently adorn Bane Canyon at Chino Hills State Park..jpg "California State Parks (5)")
Money flowers are in bloom at Red Rock Canyon State Park
