If uou are anywhere withon a two hour dive you need to go. I have been to botanical gardens in the USA, Canada and Japan but no amount of human gardening can compare to the effortless and carefree landscapes from God. Last year with heavy late winter rains the poppies were spectacular on a background of bright desert flowers. Go during the week if you can because the weekends are insane with cars and people which makes it harder for great pictures but if it’s the only time you can go—go anyway.

Before making our way to the Tehachapi Loop we decided to go see the poppy blooms. The drive through Lancaster wasn't bad except for the locals driving like bats out of hell, to get there. Guess speed limits aren't for them. Anyway of course the Reserve was closed due to the Virus, they had a ranger blocking off the entrance. But there are many fields around the outside of the Reserve that everyone was flocking to. Lots of people were trampling and laying in the middle of the fields to get selfies. Very very inconsiderate. These fields aren't patrolled so people just run amuck. It's a shame. Beautiful. We can scratch that off our Bucket List.

We enjoyed the breathtaking seas of poppy at the California Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve yesterday (3/31/2020). However, we were sad to see SUVs and pick-up truck passing through walking trails, passing other vehicles by getting off the trail and running over thousands of poppy flowers. One even parked in the middle of the trail with its driver relaxing in his lounge chair for as long as we were there. I hope the park ranger would set up roadblocks at Lancaster Road and the road parallel Lancaster to the north, so these inconsiderate individuals cannot do this in April and May.

This is a lovely poppy preserve which means the land is set aside for passive viewing with walking trails. Unfortunately, you get disrespectful throngs of young people who feel the need to take a selfie while standing on the poppies and crushing them. Other than that, this is a beautiful place to visit in the spring in California.

Poppies are popping, beautifully! Some years are better than others. Depends on rain and climate conditions. This year it is a spectacular display of poppies. Do spend the $10 and park in the parking lot. There are great trails through the hills to view the flowers. There are smelly outhouses, typical for hiking in the hills.

We missed the flowers during the spring, but wanted to see the site and figured we could still get in a good hike and nature walk. It’s a nice, big space, and the paths take you around and provide nice views of the landscape. I can only imagine when the flower fields are full and in bloom it must be beautiful. We hope to come again at the right season. Note that it was really + very + super windy.

You can read my previous review if interested, but it is March 10, 2019 as I write and we just got back. They are in full bloom. Go there now. It is magical. It does get crowded but get over it because it is worth it. Poppies as far as you can see and other flowers as well. This is the best bloom in some time. Go. Go now.

Based on a review one week ago, I drove a lot of miles to see the poppies today. There are no poppies yet. We were advised to return in about 3 weeks. Call before you drive - (661) 724-1180 But, I visited some years back - when the poppies are blooming, it's awesome.

We visited this morning, and it is absolutely gorgeous!! Well worth the visit. A lot has been said about the beauty of this place, so instead of talking about that. I would just like to lease some tips to enhance your experience. 1. If visiting during peak season on a weekend (mid March -April), arrive early. We got there at 7 on a Saturday, and there was a line, but only because people couldn’t figure out how to self pay for parking. I would say be there by 7:30 for the best parking experience, and after eight, you’ll probably be parking on the road. 2. Try to park by the visitor center. It’s worth the $10. There are tons of walking trails, and the less walking you have to do to get into the preserve, the better your experience will be within preserve will be. 3. Another reason why you should arrive early is to avoid the crowds. There are tons of people trying to take “that perfect picture” for social media. It can make hiking and walking less enjoyable. When you arrive early, you don’t have to park to yourself, but it’s much quieter. 4. Arriving early will be less stressful, but you probably won’t see the poppies open. They do not open when it is windy, or really cold. By about 930 10 AM, if it’s not too windy of a day, and the sun is out, the poppies will open, but the park is massively crowded by then. However, on a great. Loom year, the colors and flowers are still gorgeous. 5. It is intensely windy and cold in the morning. I was wearing yoga pants, and a hooded sweatshirt, and I wish I had a beanie and maybe another layer of clothing. Also gloves. However, after about an hour, you get used to it.

Went to the Poppy Reserve region at the below noted review of Elizabeth who said to "Go now!" There were more poppies in bloom in the hill behind my house in Riverside than the 10 miles surrounding the reserve. It was horrible. Clear skies and low 60's. I would say it was several weeks too early. Waste of my day. Stay at the lower warmer elevations.