An intensely orange field of California Poppies in the Antelope Valley west of Lancaster.

California Poppies, Antelope Valley - Lancaster visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'California Poppies, Antelope Valley' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from California.

This panorama shows a field of orange California Poppies in Antelope Valley California Poppy State Reserve, near to Lancaster and Los Angeles in California. The reserve lies in the Mojave Desert at between 790 and 914m (2600-3000 feet) above sea level. In addition to the California Poppy, owl's clover, lupine, goldfields, cream cups and coreopsis also grow here. The flowering season runs from mid-February through mid-May, but the park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

About eight miles of hiking trails meander through the rolling hills, and on one there is a paved section for wheelchair access. Exploration away from the paths is prohibited. The Antelope Valley California Poppy State Reserve is a popular retreat from the surrounding urban areas, where the sound of traffic is replaced by wild birds. Visitors should come prepared for sudden changes in temperature, strong suns and strong winds. Nearby is the Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park, worth visiting for its native Joshua Tree and Juniper woodland.

Road: The Reserve entrance is 15 miles west of Lancaster. Take the 138 west from Highway 14 in Lancaster (east from I-5) and then head south down 170th Street West. Turn left onto Lancaster Road and follow for 2 miles.