Time to Wake Up and Smell the Antelope Valley Poppies

The California poppy blooms on many a grassy slope in the Southland, but only in the Antelope Valley does the showy flower blanket whole hillsides in such brilliant orange sheets. Surely the finest concentration of California’s state flower is preserved at the California State Poppy Reserve in the Mojave Desert west of Lancaster.

The poppy is the star of the flower show, which includes a supporting cast of fiddlenecks, cream cups, tidy tips and gold fields. Now through Memorial Day is the time to saunter through this wondrous display of desert wildflowers.

The poppy has always been recognized as something special. Early Spanish Californians called it Dormidera, “the drowsy one,” because the petals curl up at night. They fashioned a hair tonic/restorer by frying the blossoms in olive oil and adding perfume.

At the reserve, you can pick up a map at the Jane S. Pineiro Interpretive Center, named for the painter who was instrumental in setting aside an area where California’s state flower could be preserved for future generations to admire. Some of Pineiro’s watercolors of wildflowers are on display in the center, which also has wildflower interpretive displays and a slide show.

Built into the side of a hill, the center boasts an award-winning solar design, windmill power and natural “air conditioning.”

Interpretive walks are given by volunteer docents at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Antelope Loop Trail--and all trails in the reserve--are easy walking and suitable for the whole family. Seven miles of gentle trails criss-cross the 1,760-acre reserve; many hikers take every trail in the park without getting too tired.

Directions to trailhead: From the Antelope Valley Freeway (California 14) in Lancaster, exit on Avenue I and drive west 15 miles. Avenue I becomes Lancaster Road a few miles before the Poppy Reserve. The reserve is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. There is a state park day use fee of $3 per auto. The Visitors Center telephone number is (805) 724-1180.

The hike: Begin on the signed Antelope Loop Trail to the left of the Visitors Center. The trail passes through an orange sea of poppies and fiddleneck, then climbs briefly to Kitanemuk Vista Point, .7 mile from the Visitors Center. Atop Vista Point are those flowery symbols of faithfulness and friendship, forget-me-nots, and an unforgettable view of the Mojave Desert and the snow-covered Tehachapis.

After enjoying the view, continue on to Antelope Butte Vista Point, where another lookout offers fine desert panoramas. From here, join the south loop of the Antelope Loop Trail and return to the Visitors Center.

After you’ve circled the “upper west side” of the Poppy Reserve, you may wish to extend your hike by joining the Poppy Loop Trail and exploring the “lower east side.” MEANDERINGS

Bad news: Fees just went up to a minimum of $3--in some parks $4--for day-use admission to California’s state parks.

Seventy-million people will visit California’s state parks this year. Most visitors spend their day in nature and return home for the evening.

Now the good news: You can join the California State Parks Foundation, save money, and help a worthy organization. By joining as a Basic Member for a $25 donation, park visitors receive 15 free day-use coupons, worth a minimum of $45. In addition, you’ll receive a state parks road map, a camping booklet, and a subscription to the quarterly Parklands Newsletter, which includes a complete calendar of events for parks statewide. Senior members (62 and older) receive 10 free day-use coupons worth a minimum of $30 for a $15 donation.

Information: The California State Parks Foundation, Membership Department, 900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 175, Larkspur, Calif. 94939; (800) 443-0100, Ext. 250.

Antelope Loop Trail

Visitors Center to Antelope Butte Vista Point: 2.5 miles roundtrip; 300 - foot elevation gain.