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Writer's picture Cori
May 26, 20203 min read

Popping in for a visit to the Poppy Fields

An afternoon visit to Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve


Must haves for a day at the poppy fields - a flowy dress (or two!) & a fun sunhat!

See below for my best suggestions!


It was a gorgeous day in Southern California, no traffic on the roads, and a rare free afternoon with nothing to do. So we decided to drive 60 miles north from Burbank to check out the 1800 acre Antelope Valley Poppy Fields.


Just as with most things, planning is key. And just like most of the time - we did almost no planning at all. Which is why we arrived to discover that the poppy fields were closed due to COVID, which we really should have expected since it is a State Natural Reserve. But luckily the entire area is blanketed in miles and miles of beautiful orange blossoms so we were still able to see tons of flowers and get some photos.


Some things to know before you go


1. Directions

The Reserve is located 15 miles west of Highway 14 near the city of Lancaster, and the visitor center is 1/2 miles north of the intersection of 150th St W and Lancaster Road. It wasn't hard to find and entering Antelope Valley Poppy Fields into our phone's GPS took us right to it. When the Reserve is actually open and there isn't a pandemic, I hear traffic can get pretty bad and that the parking lot ($10) can fill up. If that happens you will be directed to park on the street which will add about a 1/2 mile to your walk to the entrance.





2. Be sure and check the weather before you go.

The day we went was a warm and sunny day in LA. When we got to Lancaster there were 35 mile per hour winds and it was very cold! On the other hand, looking at the weather there now, it is 105 degrees and a heat advisory! The fields are in the High Desert so the weather conditions can be all over the place. I would suggest bringing a jacket or sweatshirt, a hat, sunscreen, and water.






3. Be sure and check the status of the poppies before you go.

Poppy season runs roughly from mid February to mid May. The California State Parks website and phone hotline (661-724-1180) update the status of the poppies throughout season. The park also has a live webcam where you can verify the conditions yourself. The biggest thing to remember is that the blooms close up at night and when it is windy. As beautiful as it was when we where there, many of the blooms were closed due to the very windy conditions.



4. Make a day of it!

Your parking fee receipt is valid for entrance on the same day to any other local California State Parks charging the same or lower rates. Entrance is free for those camping at a California State Park.

Other parks in the area to visit while you're in the area: Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park - 7 miles west

Red Rock Canyon State Park - 60 miles north


5. Things NOT to do:

  • Don't wander off the trails (there are rattlesnakes - plus you'll crush the flowers)

  • Don't pick the flowers (it's against state law)

  • Don't use a drone (they are prohibited)

  • Don't bring pets (only service animals are allowed)



6. Things to do:

  • Check the weather and poppy conditions before you leave

  • Bring lunch and extra water (picnic tables are available)

  • Pack for weather extremes

  • Take LOTS of photos

  • Have a great time! (We did!)



Some of my very favorite white dresses and sun hats

for a picture perfect day at the Poppy Fields (perfect for Maternity Shoots and anything bridal too!)



Click each photo for the product link!





That's it for today babes! I hope this is helpful if you live near LA or plan on visiting! Send me a note if you're going to be in the area and have any questions!

Do you have a similar flower reserve near you? Let me know in the comments because I would LOVE to come and check it out!


I'm



...and that's my Story
















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