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I debated sharing this post, but ultimately decided to because I miss travel content so much. I know not every is able to get out and see open spaces, so I though it might cure your travel bug, if even for 5 minutes. PLUS I really like these photos. The sky is so clear and blue, I break out into the Dixie Chicks “Wide Open Spaces” just looking at them.

Keep reading for tips when you visit the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve!

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Knit Midi Dress (old, similar here and here) | Gigi Pip Rancher Monroe Hat (use discount code ELLEMULENOS10 for 10% off) | Hip Optical Batista Sunglasses (c/o - get $10 off with discount code ELLE10) | Cariuma Sneakers (c/o) | Levi’s Denim Jacket | Senreve Maestra Handbag ( get $50 off with discount code ELLEMULENOS)

When we visited the poppy reserve a couple weekends ago, honestly we were a little late. It’s kind of like bluebonnet season in Texas… here one day, sparse the next! We didn’t get to experience the mounds of blooms like most images show; however, we did get to see some flowers. Side note, we also weren’t able to go in the actual poppy reserve thanks to Coronavirus / COVID-19. We thought we would be in the clear, as trails had opened almost 2 weeks prior, but that was not the case. There were actually 2 cop car / park ranger cars - 1 guarding the entrance and 1 parked along the side of the road. They weren’t handing out tickets, but they were telling people to leave the premises. They couldn’t actually give citations as no one was really doing anything wrong. There were probably 15-20 cars parked alongside the road. Everyone was social distancing, as there are huge fields outside the actual reserve, so it really wasn’t an issue. Fresh air for all!

It was a slightly disappointing visit since we didn’t get to go in and the flowers were few and far between; however, the flowers we were able to see were for me to want to go back! it’s only about a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from West LA (where we live), so not bad at all!

TIPS FOR VISITING ANTELOPE VALLEY CALIFORNIA POPPY RESERVE

Visit late spring. Overall, definitely utilize the California State Parks website, as they often post updates on blooms and visiting. You can also call them directly. This year (2020) there was an early heat wave (90 degrees without AC is NO JOKE) and the poppies bloomed a little earlier than usual around the end of March and peaked mid-April. While blooms occur throughout the summer, the bulk that the valley is known for only happens once in late spring / early summer. We visited May 10 and that was the tail end of the big blooms. Technically the blooming season is mid-February through the end of May. There are occasional super blooms as well! These don’t happen every year, but enough for people to keep an eye out for them. It’s when a certain amount of blooms occur, due to very specific conditions. Super bloom or not, the flowers are always beautiful.
Visit mid-morning. Be sure to check the weather and wind speeds before making the trek. Poppies are pretty temperamental and sensitive to the weather. If you go in the morning, chances are the flowers will be closed. They prefer warmer weather, so visiting around noon is better bloom wise. The park is open sunrise to sunset though, so you can make a whole day of it if you’d like. They even have picnic tables on a first come / first serve basis.
Remember parking. Most cars cost $10 to park. There are some discounts of course and up-charges for buses, etc. It’s a state park, so the money goes back to it. We would have happily paid if asked! If you have a Golden Bear pass or a recently used state park entrance fee stub, those usually work same day too. We were parked on the side of the road when we visited, as the reserve wasn’t actually open. That isn’t usually allowed.
Respect the poppies. Don’t crush them by stepping on them of course. Once you do this, they can’t grow back. Do not pick them either! Both are actually illegal and you can get a ticket for either offense. Poppies are protected by the state of California. Bonus knowledge: the golden poppy is actually the official California state flower!
Bring bug spray. Spray before you go into the fields! We didn’t notice the bugs while were in the fields - experienced a normal amount of swatting. Hah! When we got back in the car it was horrible! There were these little black bugs all over us. I think they were aphids, but I’m not 100% sure. They didn’t bite or anything, but were very annoying. We were only in the fields for maybe 15 minutes, so we thought it was crazy how many bugs came back into the car with us, based on that short amount of time. Since we are talking about nature, know that it is often very blustery, so be prepared for strong winds! We didn’t really experience any, but I have had friends visit and they could barely catch a good photo because of the strong winds.
Stay on the path. There are a lot of different trails to take advantage of. Use them! Stay on the pre-formed paths to not trample the flowers, but also to avoid snake bites. Rattlesnakes love poppies and often hang out in the fields. There are benches along the paths you can take advantage of too! Ultimately that path is there to not only protect you, but also to protect the poppies.
Keep driving. There are loads of poppies just on the side of the road, if you want to actually make the stop. Pass the reserve on your right and keep on driving to see more vacant fields! If you want more adventure once you are done at the poppy reserve, there are several close park options that you can hop to. Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park is the closest, but Saddleback Butte State Park and Red Rock Canyon State Park are relatively close as well.
REMEMBER: No dogs allowed! People obviously take photos, but note that drones are prohibited and commercial photography must have a permit. Be aware of your surroundings, especially while driving. Lots of people pause for a photo op and often aren’t paying attention.

Nick’s Look: Bonobos Short Sleeve Shirt (old, similar here and here) | Burgundy Shorts | Vince Sneakers | Ray-ban Sunglasses

Whether you want to re-create Wizard of Oz in the poppy fields or get Ozark from Netflix vibes, the poppy reserve is worth the visit! It is open year-round, so you can go regardless of if the flowers are in bloom. If anything, visiting the fields made me want to bake lemon poppyseed muffins or make those really good Hawaiian roll sandwiches that are brushed with poppyseeds and butter. SO GOOD. Side note - it is true! You can receive a positive drug test if you consume poppyseeds, so just be careful. Poppyseeds do come from poppies, which is where opioids / heroin come from. I don’t mind poppyseeds, but one of my favorite healthy hacks is swapping them for chia seeds. I can’t really tell the difference, PLUS you reap the benefit of a superfood!!

If you want to see more photos from our time out in the fields, click here! Nick and I got some cute photos! Plus I shared some fun date ideas that are good for you and your s/o or even your besties!

Want to see the poppies somewhere besides Antelope Valley? You can bask in their splendor elsewhere!