Is anyone seeing wildflowers yet?
I have only seen a few sporadically here and there as of this writing (in mid-February), and this is no surprise, because before a Feb. 13 storm, Riverside County had been experiencing the driest winter on record. Due to this lack of rainfall, many areas across Southern California are experiencing severe to extreme drought.
We have seen an abundance of wildflowers over the past few years due to rainy winters followed by warm, sunny days. Without the proper mixture of rain and sun, there will not be a major bloom, although the recent rains will improve chances of seeing some scattered patches of color, according to DesertUSA’s Desert Wildflowers Overview.
That leads to a question: Where are the desert wildflowers blooming in 2025? According to DesertUSA, nearby areas where wildflowers can be found include Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve (near Amboy on Route 66) and Joshua Tree National Park. For up-to-date wildflower reports, visit desertusa.com.
This will not be a super-bloom year—but the late winter and spring are still a truly magical time for camping and hiking in the desert. If you’re in the right place and lucky enough, you might see some wildflowers and quite possibly a glimpse of some wildlife.
To see wildlife, your best bet is to hit the trails around sunrise or sunset, as that’s when animals are most active. This time of year, you’ll often see young wildlife; this is when majestic bighorn sheep, birds (including burrowing owls, Gambel’s quail and roadrunners) and other animals are raising their young. I was fortunate enough to see a mama bighorn and her three babies during a recent drive though Whitewater. It was right after a rainy day, and I saw several waterfalls as well. Timing is everything!
If you come across wildlife while out enjoying nature, please practice ethical wildlife viewing. This means if you see wildlife, leave it alone! Viewing wildlife from a distance helps ensure their safety and yours. If you want to take a picture, use your zoom for close-up shots so that you don’t intrude in their space.
One of my favorite local areas—with many interconnecting trails, lots of wildlife and a nature center—is located off the beaten path of Joshua Tree National Park: Black Rock Campground. At an elevation of 4,000 feet with a mix of sun and shade, this 99-site campground (in one of the thickest Joshua Tree forests) is in the northwest corner the park. The best time to visit is from October through May, but the weather can be unpredictable; I’ve seen it snow in the month of April. Visits are not recommended during the summer months due to uncomfortably high desert heat. It costs $35 for a campsite; they have picnic tables and fire rings, with nice restrooms and water nearby. Shopping is only five miles away in Yucca Valley. Campsites vary in size and can accommodate both tents and RVs. A day-use picnic area and a dump station are also available. Dogs on leash may be at the campsites and along roads at the campground, but they are not allowed on trails. Horses are welcome! For horse owners, a separate area is provided for camping and arranging a ride. Reservations are required year-round and can be made the same day or up to six months in advance. For trail maps and more, you can download the National Park Service app prior to visiting the park.
According to the Hiking Project, trails in Black Rock Canyon are a great place to see wildlife and unique desert vegetation; there are also pinyon-juniper forests.
Black Rock Canyon offers many trail connections with views of the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains. Black Rock Canyon Trail is a 2.5-mile one-way path, with an elevation gain of 742 feet on a wide and sandy trail with a steady incline that continues towards Warren Peak. The trailhead can be accessed from the Black Rock Canyon Trail parking area, just off Canyon Road, as you enter the campground. After a half-mile, you’ll see the Short Loop Trail at a junction to the left; continue straight ahead and pass the turnoff to the Burnt Hill Trail while staying in the wide wash. After a mile or so, you’ll come across Black Rock Spring; you may find puddles here and there, or just damp sand rather than actual running water, depending on the season. Continuing on, the trail becomes narrow, and you’ll climb through rock formations. At this point, start looking for the wooden post with initials for Warren Peak Trail (WP) or the Panorama Loop Trail (PT). Taking these routes will add mileage.
Always bring plenty of water. There is little to no shade, and it can heat up fast on warmer days. You’ll need hiking boots or proper hiking shoes with hiking gaiters that will help keep sand out of your shoes. Wear sun protection, and avoid midday heat. Wearing layers is important during the cooler months, as weather can be unpredictable, with high winds and even snow occurring at times. Also, always be alert and keep your eyes open for typical desert inhabitants such as lizards, rattlesnakes, scorpions, coyotes, ravens and desert tarantulas. If it’s your lucky day, you may get to see the amazing desert tortoise—and if so, remember to keep a distance. Bobcats and mountain lions also live in the park, but are rarely seen in populated areas. There’s a variety of birds in the area as well.
Stay safe—and enjoy this amazing time of year!