Thursday, May 28, 2009

April showers bring desert flowers (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park)

Anza-Borrego Wildflowers

What's so great about it? From the window of a jet, flying overhead, the desert east of San Diego seems like a vast stretch of wasteland, devoid of life and beauty. But in the spring, Anza-Borrego flourishes with wild flowers that carpet the desert floor with brilliant shades of purple, white, crimson and yellow.

What you'll see: Sand verbena, ocotillo, desert lilies, chuparosa.

Favorite thing to do: Give everyone in your party a camera and challenge them to come up with the best flower photo. I did this with my ten-year-old daughter and we had a great time.

When to go? The flowers start to sprout and bloom in March and begin to fade by the end of April. Call the park for updates and directions to the blooms. (760-767-5311).

Directions: Drive in along Highways S22 and 78. From the coast, these highways descend from the heights of the Peninsular range of mountains with spectacular views of the great bowl of the Colorado Desert. Highway S2 enters the park from the south off of Interstate 8. Look for the Anza-Borrego Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs.

For more details go to the park website.

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