Hike the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA POPPY RESERVE: The reserve was established to protect and perpetuate outstanding displays of native wildflowers, particularly the California Poppy, the state flower. The Antelope Valley is located in the western Mojave Desert at an elevation of 2600-3000 feet, making it a high desert environment. The State Natural Reserve is located on California"s most consistent poppy bearing land. Other wildflowers -owl's clover, lupine, goldfield, cream cups, and coreopsis to name a few - share the desert grassland to produce a mosaic of brillant color and fragrance each spring. The duration and intensity of the wildflower season varies from year to year largely dependent on rainfall; the season generally lasts from mid-February through mid-May. Whether you enjoy expansive fields of flowers or the close-up study of a single flower, this a the place to visit. There are eight miles of trails that meander through the gentle rolling hills making the park a wonderful place to hike and observe the native flowers and wildlife. Find the Poppy Reserve web site here:

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627

ABOUT THE HIKE: We will meetup up at the Visitor Center, with multiple hiking options totaling 5.5 miles. The final route selected with depend on the bloom. We will start with the easier Poppy Trail, taking the North and South Loops totaling 2 miles of easy hiking. We may also add a second more strenuous 3.5 mile loop along the Lighting Bolt Trail to Kitanemuk Vista Point and on to Antelope Butte Vista Point with 300 feet of elevation gain. Visitors are required to stay on the trails and not pick the flowers. There is no shade on the trails and the area is often windy. Expect a slow paced walk to enjoy the views and take pictures. Dogs are not permitted in the Reserve. Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center. Parking fees are $10 per car, or $9 with a senior 62 and over on board. Find the Poppy Reserve trail map here:

https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/627/files/p%20r%20trail%20map.pdf

ABOUT THE PICNIC: Following the hike, we will have an optional picnic at tables near the Visitor Center and parking. BYOF (food) BYOB (beverage).

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:

The Reserve is located 15 miles north west of Lancaster at 15101 Lancaster Road....

from Orange County.... take the 57 freeway north.... take the 210 freeway west.... take the 5 freeway north.... take Highway 14 (Antelope Valley Freeway) north through Palmdale and Lancaster.... exit left on Avenue I and head west 15 miles.... Avenue I becomes Lancaster Road. We will meetup at the Visitor Center.

DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.