Southern California Is Bursting With Color in a Rare 'Superbloom'

By Jessica Plautz
April 03, 2017
Nathaniel Wood ©

California got plenty of rain this winter, and that means one thing for nature lovers: Desert flowers. From Anza-Borrego to Death Valley to Joshua Tree, this year's flowers are impressive.

Even if you can't get to southern California this spring, you can still enjoy the photos from the different blooms. Photographer Nathaniel Wood took photos of this poppy bloom in Walker Canyon, in Riverside County, in March.

The low-elevation bloom in southern California's deserts, which creates some of the most dazzling displays, is unfortunately over in Anza-Borrego State Park. However, according to the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association, blooms can still be found in canyons and washes in the region.

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Walker Canyon

Nathaniel Wood ©

Walker Canyon is in the Temescal Mountains.

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Walker Canyon

Nathaniel Wood ©

The heavy rains were enough for lush blooms all over California.

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Walker Canyon

The Yellow poppy is also known as the California poppy.

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Walker Canyon

Nathaniel Wood ©

Thousands of people have flocked to the desert and southern California mountains to get a view of the flowers.

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Walker Canyon 

Nathaniel Wood ©

The colorful hills and deserts are in stark contrast to how these scenic landscapes have looked in recent years.

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Walker Canyon

Nathaniel Wood ©

Even after the superbloom, visitors to southern California can catch the local blooms for another month or so.

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Walker Canyon

Nathaniel Wood ©

Predicting the exact date of the superbloom is difficult, however March and April are typically when blooms happen. The hotter the weather, the earlier the bloom will be. 

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Walker Canyon 

Nathaniel Wood ©

If you love flowers, start planning your trip for next year now.

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