March 19: General Update
The bloom is still going strong but it is changing.  We are likely now seeing plants in bloom that germinated from the mid-February rain.  This gives us new areas in bloom and different flowers from the past couple of weeks.  In many ways the bloom right now has a bigger "wow" factor because it is so electric bright - with yellow being the main color of the moment, from yellow desert dandelions and poppies, and the accent color being the purple of phacelia. 

It's easy to see lots of flowers just driving around Borrego Springs, and our map has a suggested driving route to catch the best areas.

One of the very interesting things to be seen right now is the vast bloom of Dune Evening Primrose growing out of cracked dried mud patterns on Henderson County Road.  They are fragile as delicate glass and they will surely fall apart as people explore the area, but they make for beautiful photos if you can get there.  The photo below is by Xianjing Hu and was posted on the BorregoBlooms Facebook page.

Photo by Xianjing Hu

e took a look today otillo in Yellow" - with some desert lilies as well.
Ocotillo are beginning to bloom along Borrego Springs Road in the area known as the "ocotillo forest", about two

March 16: The Ocotillo Forest.
"Ocotillo in Yellow" - with some desert lilies as well.
Ocotillo are beginning to bloom along Borrego Springs Road in the area known as the "ocotillo forest", about two miles south of Christmas Circle.  Yellow desert dandelions covered the ground on a walk-through today, mixed with some chicory.  There are also desert lilies, some in bloom, some just coming into bloom.  The lilies all seem to be located withing about 100 feet of the roadway.

Photo by Mike McElhatton.

March 15: Barrel cactus are blooming in Texas Dip.

The waxy yellow flowers of barrel cactus in bloom - Texas Dip.  Thank you Harlod Willome for this photo.

March 11: For those who want some desert solitude with their flowers, Judy sends a report for two spots in the south end of the park.  
Thanks, Judy.  Two spots:   #1  Driving south on S-2, stop at the overlooks south of Canyon Sin Nombre.  Here are some shots she sent us:

Overlook view, south of Canyon Sin Nombre  Photo by Judy Stewart

Overlook view, south of Canyon Sin Nombre  Photo by Judy Stewart

Stop #2 is not far away, Carizzo wash.  She says you can park on the side of the road and you only have to walk in a little ways.

Carizzo Wash     Photo by Judy Stewart

Carizzo Wash    Photo by Judy Stewart

March 10: Some photos from today

A vast sea of desert sunflowers stretches for miles to the north of Devils Slide in the Ocotillo Wells SRVA.  The sunflowers also stretch west to areas bordering Buttes Pass Road.  Photo by Mike McElhatton

Brad Pietrzak sends us this photo taken off of the Truckhaven Trail in an area we reference as #1 on our "East of Borrego Map," an area where the bloom is expanding in the direction of Clark Dry Lake.

A walk in Coachwhip Canyon offers a quiet desert experience among beautiful rock formations, away from the more crowded viewing areas.  Photo by Mike McElhatton

A brother and sister take in all the yellow poppies on the slopes of Texas Dip, San Felipe Wash.  Photo by Mike McElhatton

March 8: Tonight we have pictures of people enjoying flowers.
Taken earlier today.

Photos by Mike McElhatton

March 7: Parish's Poppies along San Felipe Wash
There is an extensive bloom of parish's poppies along the south facing slopes of San Felipe Wash.  Drive south from Borrego Springs Road to the area known as "Texas Dip" and then park on the side of the road at the bottom of the hill.  Walk to the west along the steep slopes of the wash' the hillsides are covered in poppies. See our Borrego Springs Map

Parish's poppy,  late afternoon sun, on a hillside along San Felipe Wash.  Mike McElhatton

March 4: June Wash
We asked for some photos of June Wash and we received some today from Bill McFall.  The reports we had been getting have said the area has a very diverse bloom, and Bill's photo below shows that.

June Wash  Photo by Bill McFall

March 2: Botanist Kate Harper updates her 2019 bloom forecast.  Bottom line, "The second big wave of flowers has begun while some first wave blooms still linger. Many lower elevation washes, canyons, and hillsides are bursting with golden patches of poppies."  Download Forecast

Hillside of Parish's Poppy by Fred Melgert www.borregowildflowers.org
Mile Marker 83.4 Highway 78

February 28: Mile Marker 31, Highway S-22
We took a photo of this area on Feb. 15 and said to keep an eye on it, as the sand verbena would be explanding.  Here's a shot from today, late afternoon.  You can compare with the short from two weeks ago that is posted below.  The verbena should continue to expand in the days and weeks ahead.

Mile Marker 31 - Highway S-22 Photo by Mike McElhatton

February 28: Hellhole Canyon
With the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail still closed due to flood damage and deep water on the trail, Hellhole Canyon is a nearby area to be explored by those wanting to hike.  Fred and Carla hiked this area and have reported finding fields of Wild Canterbury Bells, an unusual find.  They also report that the side canyons, notably Flatcat Canyon is even better, with common Phacelia, Bigelow's Monkey Flower, Wild Canterbury Bells, and Parish's Poppy. The hiking details of their trip are here: https://borregohiking.com/hiking/2019_hellhole-flatcat_loop.html
Photos from their hike are below:

Bieglow's Monkey Flower - Photo by Fred Melgert

Wild Canterbury Bells - Photo by Fred Melgert

Parish's Poppy - Photo by Fred Melgert

 
February 23: End of DiGiorgio Road - Update
The "mini superbloom" at the end of DiGiorgio Road is steadily growing in size.  Park at the end of the road and walk less than 1/4 mile on the dirt road that goes to the east and you are in a sea of golden desert sunflowers, with highlights of purple Sand Verbena and white Dune Evening Primrose.

Flower field - Feb. 23  Photo by Mike McElhatton

February 23 - Looking for Ghost Flowers?
Looking for Ghost Flowers? Finding Ghost Flowers?  They are out there right now. If you spot them, take some pics and post them, and let us know where.  You will find isolated plants, never fields of Ghosts Flowers.

Ghost Flowers are often confused with Blazing Star; they grow in the same areas as the Blazing Star, and for reasons that benefit the Ghost Flowers. Ghost Flowers use "double mimicry"; Ghost Flowers offer no nectar to lure in the bees that they need for pollination. But the Blazing Star does offer nectar. By growing alongside the Blazing Star the Ghost Flowers can lure in confused bees and achieve pollination in the process. Also, look closely inside the Ghost Flower. It looks like there's a bee in there! Another mimicry that lures in real bees to investigate.

Photos by Fred Melgert 

February 21: End of DiGiorgio Road
Marcy Yates reports more colors are really starting to pop at the end of the pavement at Digorgio road. Due to flooding, the road to Coyote Canyon is closed at the end of the pavement. Park and walk east on the dirt road. The farther east you go, the more colors you will see.  Verbena, brown-eyed primroses, dune evening primroses and desert sunflowers are scattered. At least one desert lily was blooming. 

End of DiGiorgio Road  Feb 20, 2019  Photo by Marcy Yates

February 20: Calcite Mine Road/Trail  
We have a report from Jack and Becky that there is an area along the road to the calcite mine ( Mile Marker 38.2 on S22) that has a concentration of desert lilies, some in bloom and others ready to bloom.  This area is described as being about 1/2 hour into the 45 minute hike to the mine.  The calcite mine road absolutely requires 4WD; don't attempt it with anything less than that.  But it is a beautiful hike with magnificent rock formations.  See photo below.

Along Calcite Mine Trail showing concentration of desert lilies.
Photo by Becky Harbaugh

February 19: Botanist Kate Harper updates her 2019 bloom prediction following recent rain.  In summary, she says:
Bottom line, more flowers for longer! The big Valentine storm event (2.98 inches) will extend the flower season and increase the diversity of flowers.
Kate Harper, Desert Research Botanist See full report here.

February 15: A look at the Borrego Badlands - just east of Borrego Springs
The bloom that is happening in the Borrego Badlands offers something that we don't get with the big fields of blooming flowers that the Borrego Valley is known for.  A good portion of the Badlands bloom is happening against the backdrop of some of the most striking desert rock and erosion formations in the entire state park.  The most impressive areas don't have vast fields of flowers, they have pockets of flowers, patches of color against the rock. As a result, you can wander in a place like Coachwhip Wash and continually discover new spots of beauty as you walk along, little places, all unique, that offer a view of rock, earth, sky, and colorful plant life.  The hazy light we have been getting gives a nice warmth to the whole thing as well.  This is a place to explore on foot.   Fortunately it is also easy to get to.  There is plenty to see and explore by parking in the pulloffs along Highway S22.  See our Badlands flower map.

The badlands in bloom : Arizona Lupines against eroded sandstone.  February 15, 2019.
Coachwhip Wash is at mile marker 34.7  on Highway S22.  Mike McElhatton

The other thing about this bloom is that there are also fields of flowers!  There is a big pulloff along the north side of S22 at mile 31, about 11 miles from Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, where the hills to the west are loosely covered with the purple of sand verbena.  I say "loosely covered" because you will see lots of empty space, barren ground in and between the expanding verbena that the purple is expanding into.   Already above the ground, these plants have a real head start.  They will take the water from recent rain and keep growing.  This is a spot to keep an eye on.  It is very nice right now, but it could become spectacular.

This shot gives a view of the expanding verbena mentioned above, Highway S22, Mile 31.  With recent rain all of those spots of barren ground will likely be covered in purple as the verbena expands.  This is a spot to keep an eye on: in a few weeks time this photo might look pretty baren compared to what is there at that time.  Mike McElhatton

February 15: Video from Ocotillo Wells SVRA
We did a report on February 12 about the bloom happening over in Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, and photos of that are posted below.  Today we have this video, shot by park staff that shows that some area.  It does not seem that this area suffered as much flood damage as Coyote Canyon from yesterday's rain.  We found it to be a great spot.  The only caveat is that this is an area to visit on weekdays if you are bothered by the OHV traffic. 

February 14: Heavy rain in Borrego Springs today
This video of lower Coyote Canyon tells the story of our rain today.  We took photos of this same area just yesterday to illustrate the excellent condition of the Coyote Canyon Road, but it became evident today that things had changed.  The NWS reported 2.68 inches in Borrego Springs. Due to flood damage on Feb. 14 Coyote Canyon Road has been closed to all vehicle traffic and the repair work is expected to keep it closed until early-mid March.  Visitors can park at the end of the asphalt and walk in.

This video is by Borrego Springs resident Sicco Rood.  


February 12: Ocotillo Wells - Shell Ridge - near Discovery Center
Shell Reef: There is a spectacular bloom of Dune Evening Primrose mixed with sunflowers and sand verbena about two miles from the Ocotillo Wells Discovery Center along Shell Reef.  The road is dirt but it is graded.  If you are unfamiliar with the area you can stop at the Discovery Center and ask for a map.   The white Dune Evening Primrose carpet the ground in some spots and trail off into the horizon, with yellow sunflowers and purple sand verbena mixed in.  This is a a great place to visit mid week because there is very little ORV traffic.  The flowers begin around the junction of PaloVerde Wash and Shell Reef Expressway - roads are signed.
Discovery Center Trail: The paved path outside of the Discovery Center now has a bloom of many species, it's not a carpet of flowers but the diversity makes this a very worthwhile stop.  A bonus in this spot is the Discovery Center, with fascinating displays on a wide range of topics about plants, animals, geology, and history of the Ocotillo Wells area.

Paloverde Wash and Shell Reef Expressway.  Just over the rise the ground is carpeted with Dune Evening Primrose.

Field of Sunflowers - Shell Reef Expressway - Ocotillo Wells

Photos (2/12/19) from the Ocotillo Wells Discovery Center Trail, top left - Desert Five Spot about to bloom, Sunflower, Dune Evening Primrose, Desert Lilly.
 
February 12: Coyote Pass - End of DiGiorgio Road
Marcy Yates reports that Verbena, brown-eyed primroses and spectacle pods are having a nice bloom where the pavement ends on Digiorgio Road.  A few lupine are just starting.

Flowers at the end of DiGiorgio Road, entrance to Coyote Canyon by Marcy Yates

Febrary 9 : Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Areas
Several bloom areas are reported by the staff at OW.  These include the followeing areas close to the park's headquarters, just outside of Ocotillo Wells: The Cove:  The rocky hills are covered with lupines, SW of Devils Slide: Clustered fields of desert sunflower, along with phacelia, cat's eyes, desert lily, Benson & Morton Road: Sand verbena and dune evening primrose in dunes along boundary fencing.  This area is Bloom #4 on our Borrego Badlands Map.  High clearance vehicles essential, 4WD advised.

Desert Lilies in bloom: Desert Lilies are in bloom in around Arroyo Salado Campground and other nearby washes, as reported by Pam Blake.  Although 4WD is recommended in the washes around Arroyo Salado it is possible to park a car near the restrooms at the campground and walk in the surrounding areas.   See our Borrego Badlands map - bloom area #2. 

Photo of Desert Lily, sand verbena and desert sunflowers in background.

A very nice photo by Kevin Key taken along S22 in the Borrego Badlands bloom area.

Sand Verbena, Desert Lily, Arizona Lupine, Desert Sunflower by Kevin Key

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park 2018-19 “Season”
Bloom Analysis and Prediction
As updated 02/04/19
Kate Harper, Desert Research Botanist

 We appear to be heading into a lovely 2-pulse 2018-19 Bloom “Season”.

The first BLOOM pulse is peaking now. What triggered this first pulse of flowers?
  
We had significant rain in spotty areas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park© (the Park) on October 12, 2018. It was still hot in the Park, but it was cooling off from the peak summer heat. It appears that the temperature was still warm enough to trigger the germination of some monsoonal annuals (seeds triggered by summer storms), and just cooled-down-enough to trigger the germination of some “spring” annuals (calendar winter, but what we in the desert call spring). Along with the annual flowers, the shrubs and subshrubs have responded with new leaves and their own beautiful flowers.  

So, right now, as we enter February 2019, we are in the peak of flowers for the first pulse. BUT, just in the spotty areas that received the thunderstorm rain on October 12, 2018. Unfortunately, none of the popular close-to-Borrego-Springs-village flower-field areas are included in this spotty early bloom. For flower areas easiest to access from Christmas Circle right now, try driving out S22 to mile marker 31. On the left (north) side of the road is a sweeping south-facing sandy area brimming with color and blooms. Proceeding a few more miles east on S22, Arroyo Salado (primitive camp) is gorgeous now.  

What has triggered the coming second, more common “spring” pulse of blooming?  
The Park received 0.39 inch of rain in a November 29-30, 2018 storm. This is not enough rain to trigger widespread germination, BUT it is enough rain to soften the dry surface of the soil and to make the soil receptive to additional rain without run off. And, so what do you want after such a preparatory rain? A storm of at least 1 inch. And, the Park got it! A storm event on December 5-6, 2018 delivered 1.05 inches of rain. That gave the Park enough rain to trigger the germination of many of our “Spring” annuals.
- Think of the desert in the “Spring” like you would think about planting and watering a garden.
- After you have the seeds in, all experts advise, “Give your garden a good soaking.” That is what the December 5-6, 2018 storm did that delivered 1.05 inches.
- Then, what do the garden experts tell you? They say, “Water at regular intervals.” And, voila! The skies have delivered just such a watering regime. ·        
- To date:
A semi-soaking on December 31, 2018 of 0.52 inch.
A nice interval watering on January 6, 2019 of 0.11 inch.
Another nice interval watering on January 12, 2019 of 0.14 inch.
Another semi-soaking in a January 14-17, 2019 storm event of 0.71 inch.
AND another semi-soaking in a January 31-Feb2, 2019 storm event of 0.74 inch.  

So, does this guarantee us a Bursting-with-Blooms “Spring” this year? Yes! Almost.  
Only 2 kinds of events could derail a Bursting-with-Blooms “Spring” this year: multiple days of freezing temperatures or multiple days of super-hot temperatures. Either of these could impact the plants. ∞∞∞∞   BUT, barring those events, we are ON for a Bursting-with-Blooms year   ∞∞∞∞ ∞∞∞∞  in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park©!