2 min
Overview
Despite our currently ongoing drought conditions, there is still hope for wildflower lovers here in Southern California. Spurred on by a recent trail report from KCET’s Zach Berens on SoCal Wanderer (and some great photos popping up in my social media feeds), I headed up north to Saddleback Butte State Park to see if the wildflower show was still going strong – and it most certainly was. This 2,995 acre state park may seem like it’s out in the middle of nowhere but during the spring months it is definitely worth the 90 minute drive up from Los Angeles. Head to the park’s north entrance near the corner of Avenue J and 170th Street East, pay the day-use fee and find a spot to park near the picnic area. This region of the park has a pleasant and easy paved nature trail that’s wheelchair accessible. There is also a visitor center with varying hours (call 661-727-9899 for more info) and a water fountain – be sure to fill up before you get going. This route begins on the paved nature trail that heads south from the toilets. From the very beginning, it’s a gorgeous Mojave landscape – rocky buttes litter the terrain while Joshua Trees seem to spread out before you. In the distance, the north slopes of the San Gabriels may still have some snow on them. In just over 400 feet down the concrete path, look for a trail that leaves the nature walk heading east toward the butte. This is the Little Butte Trail – and if you’re hiking in the early spring in a good year you may be distracted by all the colorful flowers popping up near your feet. Yellow coreopsis is the star here, blanketing the desert floor with a carpet of yellow – but there are other flowers in the mix, too. Purple Davy gilias and white Dune evening primroses can be easily spotted on this early stretch of sandy trail, with slightly taller fiddelnecks popping up here and there.
Trail Stats
7.8 km
329 m
1114 m
815 m
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