Thanks to the heavy rain California endured during the winter months, countless flowers are blossoming up across the state, especially in the south. This is called a “Superbloom,” a period of intense growth in the flower population because of an increase in winter rainfall.
This year’s superbloom is unique for a few reasons. Botanist Bill Johnson said, “in a lot of places, the superbloom is happening for the second consecutive year in a row, which is really profound, as it’s rare to have these wet conditions twice.”
A big part of this is unique weather conditions. Johnson said, “Southern California got hit by a hurricane for the first time in a century last August. Now we’re looking at a period where there’s been more rain than in a very long time, on a very healthy seed bed, so there’s going to be a lot of flowers popping up.”
True superblooms happen in Southern California because of its long dry periods followed by intense rain. There is also a lack of competition from other plant life in the desert, so these fresh flowers can reach their full potential.
In the coming months, native flowers will spread across the wilderness, especially in deserts and chaparral regions.
Johnson said, “If you are interested in them, get out to a place that’s having one…[they’re a] really magical experience.”
If you can’t make the trek south, there are still plenty of super-ish blooms nearby. Check out some of the best nature spots to enjoy spring (and its flowers) to its fullest.
Russian Ridge
If you want a nice hike to go with your flower experience, check out the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. A collection of trails at the top of the Santa Cruz mountains, this stunning walk offers views of both the ocean and the Bay Area. Explore a variety of environments from meadows to bay glens.
Muir Woods
This iconic nationally protected land is known for its old-growth forests, but it also has a stunning variety of wildflowers. The Muir Woods to Stinson Beach hike is a well-known favorite, taking you from mossy forest to sandy beach with plenty of blossoms along the way.
Bernal Heights Park
Overlooking San Francisco, Bernal Heights Park is a wonderful place to enjoy spring. With a wide variety of flowers, including the California poppy, along steep grassy slopes, this park is sure to make you feel like you’re a character in a Studio Ghibli movie.
