Hike through these wildflower fields near San Francisco bursting with blooms.
The saying commonly goes , April showers bring May flowers , but in California — which just experienced one of the rainy months of March on record — the topnotch bloom is already here .
Since California is enormous and its geography is exceptionally diverse , there are a variety of flower disperse the hillsides with their colourful dish . vulgar type of plant let in the bright yellow tones of table mustard plants and the golden glow of California ’s commonwealth blossom , the California Poppy . On the coast you ’ll find purple - hued ice plants , ashen lily , daffodil , and daisy , among dozens of other vibrant blossom .
San Francisco County
Drive to the top ofTwin Peaks – which already offers some of the most gorgeous views of the SF skyline – to look for California buttercups , California coastal poppies , and California lilacs . For those who desire to get more active , trek on foot along theBay Area Ridge Trailfrom Portola Avenue to the Golden Gate Bridge or try theThe Lands End Trailfor blooms among the historical Sutro Baths and glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge in the space . Finally , theBatteries to Bluffs Trail , which hug the western coastline and march the royal cliffs above the Pacific , offers stunning views and vibrant leaping colors .
Marin County
AtChimney Rock , situate at the easternmost dot of the Point Reyes Headlands , you ’ll have the unique chance to see northerly elephant seals and migrate whales , as well as wildflowers . To hit the furthermost point out at the end of the trail , it ’s an easy , flavorless , 1.9 - mile out - and - back trek that ’s well worth the effort . Another must - see spot isMount Tamalpais State Park , where the various geography turn a wide variety of bursting wildflowers including lupin , California poppy , and more . To get a workout in , trek out on theDipsea Trail — one of the area ’s most famous nerve pathway due to the iconicDipsea Race , the oldest track run in America . TheTomales Point Trail , a 9.4 - mile hike that top visitant through theTule Elk Reserveand along the National Seashore offers sweeping sights of the Ocean , Tomales Bay , and lots of historic farm land — all overflowing with flowers .
Santa Cruz County
Along the seacoast of Santa Cruz County , wildflower searcher will be treat to muckle of Gold Fields , Beach Strawberries , California Poppies , Blue - Eyed Grass Lindley - Varied Lupine , California Buttercups , Sun Cups , Seaside Daisy , Wallflower , Phacelia and Douglas Iris among other scenic blooms . VisitBig Basin Redwoods State Parkto see Ceanothus , Star Flowers , and Redwood Violets . This park hosts an annualWildflower Weekendin May , showcasing the 80 local plants in bloom on phytologist - led wildflower walks ( be trusted to sign up for hiking slots – they fill up promptly ) . At theGlenwood Preserve Open Space in Scotts Valley , the trails are well over with lupin , vetch , and owl ’s clover bloom . For those who ’d rather drive than research on foot , there are some beautiful urban wildflower view opportunity on the ocean side of East Cliff Drive inPleasure Point , or onWest Cliff Drivein Santa Cruz .
Sonoma County
Gold Country
In Gold Country , about a two minute drive inland , hike scenic fleck like theCronan Ranch Trails , a 12 - Swedish mile web near Coloma . For those who prefer to drive , cruise alongPleasant Valley Road and Newtown Road , where the meadows transform into scenic , chickenhearted blankets of flower . Those who are willing to work for poppy - view opportunities can explore the well - maintained lead scheme at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park , likethe Dutch Creek and Johntown Falls trailor theMonroe Ridge track . Over inCalaveras County , drive the localbackroadsthrough the snake canyons to admire the redbud trees , lupine and lilacs in bloom . Visit theNew Melones Lake Glory Hole Recreation Area(the largest man-made lake in California ) for camping chance and trail like theCarson Creek Trailwith golden poppies galore .
Modesto
In Modesto , about a 90 - minute driveway inland from San Francisco , visitThe Knights Ferry Recreation Areato trek along theStanislaus River Trail From Knights Ferryand be sure to hike beyond the covered bridge to experience maximum bloom viewing opportunities . A more urban spot to see wildflowers and California Poppies is along theVirginia Corridor Trailway , a soft and flat paved trail which runs along the route of what used to be the old Tidewater Southern Railway line . By car , cruise from Knights Ferry to Roberts Ferry by taking Willms Road to Crabtree Road ( map here ) for a backroads exploration of the colorful hillsides — but be aware this is a tedious drive with special mobile phone reception that ’s well research in a car that can handle the one lane roads and rough terrain .
Photo by Paul Zaretsky, courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz
Photo courtesy of Louis Raphael.
Photo by Garrick Ramirez, courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz
Photo courtesy of Coloma Resort
Photo Courtesy of Visit Modesto
