Palm Springs & Desert Attractions
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
15101 Lancaster Rd.
Lancaster, CA
Tel. (661) 942-0662 [Mojave Desert Info Center], (661) 724-1180 [Poppy Reserve Wildflower Hotline], (818) 768-3533 [Theodore Payne Foundation wildlflower hotline]
mdic@parks.ca.gov
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One thing to remember: This parkland isn't only about poppies. There are plenty of other things popping too: Joshua trees, goldfields and purply-blue lupine. This is one of those places where, in a good year, the hillsides look like orange carpets. Peak season, the website says, is usually mid-April.
Francine Orr / LAT
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- LAT
Average User Ratings
- Overall (2)
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Attributes
Price Range: $5/vehicle
Transportation:
The Reserve is located 15 miles west of Lancaster.
From Highway 14: Take the Avenue I exit and head west 15 miles. Avenue I becomes Lancaster Road.
From I-5: Take Hwy 138 east and turn right on 170th Street West. Make a left at the end, onto Lancaster Road. Follow the road two miles.
Open Hours: Sunrise-sunset (day use only, no dogs alowed)
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice.
Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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- Reader Reviews
Breathtaking...but really windy!
Posted by Grace from Arcadia, CA on May 1, 2008
This is one of those "you have to see it to believe it" (or, more accurately, "you have to see it to appreciate it") outings. the drive out there is beautiful, as the freeway meanders past such places as vasquez rocks natural area park and the california aqueduct. once you're off the freeway and on your way to the reserve itself, you're reminded that although we live in a megalopolis there are still plenty of areas with wide open spaces to see. once at the poppy reserve, you're in for a real treat of beautiful vistas, flower-covered hills, and paths that wind through the terrain. my only complaint, such as it is, is that it's windy out there! at least it has been when i've gone there. i mean serious wind--as in difficult-to-keep-your-footing wind! but it's well worth battling the wind in order to enjoy the views. just dress appropriately and brace yourself!
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