The flowers are currently blooming throughout the Carrizo Plain National Monument and the bloom should continue for a short while before temperatures rise and they begin to fade.
A broad mix of species blanket the plain itself as well as the adjoining mountains. Yellows stand out, but a closer look will reveal purple, pink, orange and white. Make sure to stop at the Goodwin Education Center for a map and information on bloom hotspots. Unlike many other California bloom areas, the Carrizo is undeveloped and has only a handful of formal trails.
However, you will see paths through the flowers created by previous visitors -- please stay on these routes to avoid crushing flowers. This not only allows others to enjoy the bloom, but also ensures the flowers can go to seed to provide for future blooms. Elk, pronghorn antelope, and kit foxes are among the wildlife species that inhabit the area. Remember, the nearest travel services are over an hour from the monument so come prepared to be self-sufficient with a full tank of gas, plenty of water and other supplies.
Original public domain image from Flickr