Hiking among the Poppies at the Lancaster/Palmdale Poppy Preserve

Most of the people go to the Visitor’s Center, but I prefer to go out where no people and pavement distract me from the breathtaking beauty of the flowers. I take Willow Springs Road to 135; turn to the west (towards Highway 5) to the preserve sign. Turn left. Once you park take care to look where you walk. Birds are nesting on the ground and snakes are present occasionally. They move away if you give them a chance. Arrive after 10 am and before 4 pm, as the poppies “close shop” without full sun (on a windy day as well). Once-in-a while you will see yellow rather than orange blooms.