Skip to main content

Subscribe to Smithsonian magazine and get a FREE tote.

Photos: Southern California Bursts into Color as California Poppies Take Over Hillsides

This spring’s bloom is one of the best in years

California poppies, the state flower, spring to life after recent rains near Antelope Valley in Lancaster, California, Sunday, April 26, 2014. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press/Corbis
[/]
Hikers explore fields of California poppies near Antelope Valley in Lancaster, California, Sunday, April 26, 2014. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press/Corbis
[/]
A woman poses for a photo in a field of poppies near Antelope Valley in Lancaster, California, Sunday, April 26, 2014. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press/Corbis
[/]
California poppy are in bloom near Antelope Valley in Lancaster, California, Sunday, April 26, 2014. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press/Corbis
[/]
Close-up of a California poppy blooming near Antelope Valley in Lancaster, California, Sunday, April 26, 2014. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press/Corbis
[/]
A boy jogs through a field of wild poppies near Antelope Valley in Lancaster, California, Sunday, April 26, 2014. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press/Corbis
[/]
Orange blooms unfurl on the hills near Antelope Valley in Lancaster, California, Sunday, April 26, 2014 Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press/Corbis
[/]
California poppies cover the hills near Antelope Valley in Lancaster, California. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press/Corbis
[/]
People walk through a field of poppies near Antelope Valley in Lancaster, California, Sunday, April 26, 2014. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press/Corbis
[/]

Orange and yellow blooms paint the hillsides near the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve in Lancaster, California, as California poppies, the state's official flower, burst into bloom following recent rains. The bloom is reportedly one of the best in years and is expected to continue through the first week in May.

Poppy flowers open and close depending on sun and wind conditions, so for the best viewing, visit on a sunny, still day between 10 a.m and 1 p.m. when the petals are fully open.

Planning Your Next Trip?

Explore great travel deals

A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission.