Wildflower season is here and here are some places you can go with your dogs before the summer heat kicks in. There are many places you can view wildflower but many are not dog friendly.
For this spring and early summer, make it fun, take a road trip with a friend and go somewhere you’d never even thought of going and see nature in all its Splendor!
Note: Every year is different and before you go, always check with the rangers.
I did not include the months when the wildflowers are best seen due to climate change it has become quite unpredictable. Just remember the height of it is after snow melts and before the hot weather really sets in and check with the local ranger for trail and road conditions.
This is just a short list there are many spots in California to view wildflowers, I hope this list will inspire you to go explore with your dog!
Here’s a link of wildflower viewing stations. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/viewing/all.php?state
Joshua Tree National Park
Due to the vastness, varied elevation and microclimates and thanks to the 2 desert ecosystem of Mohave and the Colorado, this beautiful desert is full of life.
During Spring the desert blooms with colors so bright and vibrant against the backdrop of the desert that seems to defy nature itself . Animals and insects take this opportunity to fuel up, find a mate and procreate and humans are drawn to the park to witness this event.
Look for blue Canterbury Bells,purple mats, sand verbenas in washes be sure to look up as well. Mojave asters, orange globe mallows on the rocky hillsides and the park’ namesake tree often sport creamy blossoms along Barker Dam Loop.
Joshua Tree National park has very strict dog rules however the reason for including this is due to the plentiful dirt roads that ARE dog friendly. The strictness is for a good reason as stated on the Park’s site “Odors left behind by dogs may prevent wildlife from returning to important habitats such as fan palm oases.
Sensitive archeological sites are often difficult to see and may inadvertently be disturbed by inquisitive four-legged visitors.
The safety of your pet is important as well.
Abundant cactus spines, rattlesnakes, and thorns are good reasons not to let your pet roam free. Dogs are natural hunters, but can easily become the hunted. Predators such as coyotes and mountain lions can kill pets, even during daylight hours.”
Here are the pet regulations:
Pets must remain on a leash at all times. Leashes may be no longer than 6 feet (Pets may go no more than 100 feet (30.5 m) from any road, picnic area, or campground.
Owners must pick up any droppings. Leave no trace.
Pets are not permitted on trails or in the backcountry.
However there are many unpaved roads in the park which are like wide trails that your dog and you can enjoy. Please under no circumstance let you dog wander outside the paved roads and know that although there are very little traffic its still a road and the vehicles have right of way.
Here are the links to the park map https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/maps.htm and backcountry road maps https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/backcountry-roads.htm
Here is more information on Wildflowers of Joshua Tree Park: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/joshua-tree-national-park-wildflower-watch
CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT
The monument is managed by BLM and it contains the single largest native grasslands remaining in California. In early spring, while tule elk and pronghorns roam, Carrizo should be nearly smothered in fields of tidy tips, owl’s clover, and California poppies. Flower experts flock here in search of rare and endangered species such as San Joaquin woolly-threads (tiny yellow flowers), kern mallow (delicate pink), and California jewelflower, whose wine-colored buds open into white flowers.
This place is one of the best kept secrets in California so PLEASE pick up after your dog and DO NOT let your dog off leash. All dogs are to be on a 6 foot leash. NO retractable leash.
The bloom is this area is short lived but magnificent, people visited the spring bloom are always in awe, it’s said to have a mystical feel to it and a silence that you can “hear”.
Call or email the visitor centers to get more information on the bloom.
Carrizo Plain National Monument
Visitor Center
17495 Soda Lake Road
California Valley, CA 93453
Phone: 805-475-2131
Information Line: 805-475-2035
Email: BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.go
Inyo National forest/Mammoth area
This is an awe inspiration place that is overshadowed by Yosemite.
As majestic as Yosemite is with all its glory, Inyo rivals it with it crater mountains, picturesque lakes, diverse landscape laid back attitudes of the surrounding towns and its dog friendliness. Driving to Mammoth from Northern California, you can’t help but smile as you witness the scenery, it resembled driving to the alps, passing pristine meadows and quaint cottages. When Driving through the Eastern Sierras as a outdoor lover you will understand John Muir passion for land preservation and his desire to always explore. These mountains and lakes beckons you, heed their calls and explore the area.
This area has a long winter so check for road and trails access with the local ranger and be sure to let them know that you have a dog as some trails might not be suitable for dogs. Here is a handy wildflower guide from the forest service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5335777.pdf
El Dorado National Forest – Carson Pass
The Sierra Nevadas: Northern California’s playground and home of the purest water in North America: Lake Tahoe.
There are many places to view wildflower in the El Dorado National Forest besides Carson pass, I chose Carson Pass to feature because of its ease of parking, access to information and proximity to different trails. Park at the Carson Pass information center to get up to date information and maps. Take short loops or take a longer hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, Listen to spring exploding, breath in the fresh air and marvel at the alpine flowers.
http://www.carsonpass.com/places/carson_pass.html
http://www.calflora.org/app/ipl/ipx?loc_id=gpi25
America is a relatively young country compare to the rest of the world, we do not have grand statues, medieval ruins, coliseums, towering castles and old canals but what we do have are our National Forests, National and state Parks that attracts people from all over the world.
Public access and conservation was so important that during the midst of the civil war, President Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant act on June 30, 1864 which states that Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove as protected wilderness areas. It was the first time in U.S. history that land was designated for public use and preservation, and is viewed by many as the birth of the national parks system.
He recognized that Public access and nature is to be protected, so take this gift that our forefathers gave us and enjoy it. It is for the public, regardless of you race, age, economic standing you have every right to be there and see the exact same scenery as the next person, so please honor it by being stewards of the land, obey park rules, practice leave no trace and take care of these beautiful landscape.