The poppies are shivering in Antelope Valley with peak bloom on the way
As this week’s rains cleared, cold winds and cooler temperatures caused the flowers in the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve to close up. Rangers at the park said the flowers should be at their peak in the coming weeks. The state-protected reserve is open from sunrise to sunset.
The poppies close during a chilly sunset over the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
Joan Ong of South Pasadena holds Danielle Mar, 9 months, as they pose for a family photograph at dusk in the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
Visitors walk through the reserve at dusk.
A carpet of poppies and other flowers, including goldfields, lupine and lacy phacelia, are blooming.
The weather can change dramatically in the high desert, quickly becoming windy and cold.
The rolling hills frame a carpet of poppies at the reserve.
Flora offers a variety of colors in the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
Windmills frame wildflowers blooming in the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve.
Depending on the season’s weather, the bloom could last into mid- to late April.
Poppies close in chilly weather.
Poppies open up on nice days but curl up at night or when temperatures drop.