Antelope Valley California Poppy State Reserve

The Antelope Valley California Poppy State Reserve is a state-protected reserve land located in the rural westside of the Antelope Valley in northern Los Angeles County, 15 miles (24 km) west of Lancaster. The reserve is at an elevation ranging from 2,600 to 3,000 feet (790 to 910 m) above sea level in the Mojave Desert climate zone. The reserve is administered by California State Parks. The reserve's namesake and protection is based on the state flower, the California poppy. The area is one of the state's most consistent poppy-bearing lands. Other wildflowers within the reserve include the owl's clover, lupine, goldfields, cream cups and coreopsis.
Sunrise to sunset
Poppy Season comming to a close, but still some to see!

The Visitor Center and entrance Kiosk are closed for the season.
The Reserve will remain open to visitors on a self pay/self guided basis.

For current wildflower bloom status and photos, click on the "Latest Poppy Reserve Research Field Notes" and "Current Photos" links on the left sidebar.

Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat. The duration and intensity of colors and scents vary from year to year. Although the wildflower season generally lasts from as early as mid-February through mid-May, the park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Fall is also a pleasant time to visit, as the days are normally warm with milder winds.

Eight miles of trails through the gentle rolling hills, including a paved section for wheelchair access, make the park a wonderful place to hike and explore any season. Get away from the city and relax in the quietude of the countryside, with only the birds singing and hawks gliding silently overhead. Benches located along the trails make good places to sit quietly and watch for wildlife, such as singing meadow larks, lizards zipping across the trail, gopher snakes and rattlesnakes. If you're lucky, you may spot a coyote or bobcat. Numerous burrows around the trails may house mice, gophers, kangaroo rats, beetles, scorpions, or others.

Facilities
The Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center, offering a short video, wildlife and plant displays and gift shop, is open daily during the wildflower season. Nearby, shaded picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis year-round, with an interpretive display and a serene view over the valley to the San Gabriel Mountains.

Tours
Due to service reductions no guided tours are currently available.

Parking Fees
$8 per vehicle
$7 per vehicle with a senior on board (62 and over)
$4 per vehicle with DPR Disabled Discount Card (see below)

Small busses (9-24 passengers): $50
Large busses (25 or more passengers): $100

Vehicle entrance for K-12 School Groups is free with advance registration.
Day-Use tickets are valid for entrance on the same day to any other California State Park charging the same or lower rates.
Click here for information on applying for our Golden Poppy, Annual Day-Use, Disabled Discount, Distinguished Veterans, and Golden Bear Passes.