Travel

10 stunning photos of Southern California's poppies bursting into bloom after months of drought

By Talia Lakritz
antelope valley poppies 2020
People visit poppy fields near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
Read in app

The world may feel an uncertain place due to the upheaval of the coronavirus pandemic, but spring has still sprung.

The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in Lancaster, California, is much emptier than usual since it closed to vehicular traffic, but its spectacular poppies are as vivid as ever. The orange bursts are so bright that a NASA satellite even spotted them from space.

Here are 10 photos that show California's most famous poppy field in full bloom.

On April 14, NASA's Operational Land Imager captured the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in bloom.

poppies california nasa
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve as seen from space. Lauren Dauphin/NASA Earth Observatory

After months of drought, extra heavy rains in March and April saved poppy season.

The bright orange flowers carpet the rolling hills.

antelope valley poppies 2020
A vehicle makes its way toward poppy fields near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Poppy season usually falls between mid-February and mid-May, depending on the year's rainfall.

The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, a popular spring tourist destination, is currently closed to vehicular traffic.

antelope valley poppies 2020
A car drives past poppy fields near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Due to social distancing, the park is only open to those who can walk or bike there.

But the poppies have sprouted up all over Lancaster, California.

poppies antelope valley
A vehicle is seen in a poppy field near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is one of the best places to see poppies in the state, but it's not the only place they grow.

In addition to poppies, the warm weather has allowed other flower varieties to flourish this season.

antelope valley poppies 2020
Flowers at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Fiddlenecks, slender keel fruits, red maids, owl's clower, and forget-me-nots are also in bloom, according to the park's official website.

Some locals ventured out to Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve to enjoy the poppies while practicing social distancing.

antelope valley poppies 2020
A woman wearing a face mask takes selfies in poppy fields near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Selfie sticks come in handy for taking socially distant selfies.

One graduate posed in a cap and gown surrounded by the orange blossoms.

antelope valley poppies 2020
A girl poses in her graduation outfit in poppy fields near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Graduation ceremonies may be canceled, but there's still cause to celebrate one's accomplishments with a floral photo shoot.

Others focused their lenses on the flowers themselves.

antelope valley poppies
A person takes photos at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

The empty park provides a unique opportunity to photograph the scenery without throngs of tourists.

Those who don't live close enough to see the flowers in person can view them via livestream.

antelope valley poppies 2020
People visit poppy fields near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Like Keukenhof flower fields in the Netherlands, Antelope Valley is also offering virtual tours. 

California poppies aren't used to produce opiates, but the plants do have pain-relieving properties.

antelope valley poppies 2020
A couple takes a walk in a poppy field near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Taking in their vibrant colors, even through a screen, can be a good mood booster, too.

Read next

极速168赛车官方网站图片

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

极速168赛车官方网站图片

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

极速168赛车官方网站图片

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

极速168赛车官方网站图片

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

Talia Lakritz
Talia Lakritz
Talia Lakritz is a Life correspondent at Business Insider covering politics and power through a visual storytelling lens. She has reported from the White House as well as military installations, mansions, and museums across the country, bringing readers inside fascinating places through immersive features.Previously, she wrote for The New York Jewish Week and SciShow Space.Talia holds a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Barnard College of Columbia University and ordination as an interfaith minister from One Spirit Learning Alliance. She hopes to one day visit all 50 states and all 14 public presidential libraries.Politics and power:Visual features:Human interest:
HOME Subscribe Read in app