Southwest Wildflower Trip

<p>I'm heading out to the Southwest U.S. for a wildflower/Joshua Tree trip in mid-March - I'll be flying in and out of Las Vegas with three full days in the field. My original thought was to drive through Mojave National Preserve (stopping for whatever is blooming along the way) and then spending the rest of the time poking around Joshua Tree NP. </p>

<p>The other option that I keep coming back to is to head the first day to Ash Meadows and the eastern side of Death Valley NP and then heading to Joshua Tree for the last two days. </p>

<p>Would the latter plan be worth the extra drive? Any experiences heading that direction (is it just too much for one day)? Other suggestions? <br>

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<p>http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/mnp.html</p>

<p>You might get something out of this site. Check when the puppies are in bloom at Apple Valley near Victorville. Can't vouch for it, but heard much about it.</p>

<p>Les</p>

<p>Last year's crop of poppies at the Antelope Poppy Preserve west of Lancaster, CA was ho-hum, just an average year for poppies. In an above average year (2005 was an exceptional one) the quantity and extent of the poppies is astonishing. Last year I was a little early for the peak but not disappointed on March 19. Keep poking forums like this one for people with more extensive knowledge than I have, and check the state park system's Antelope web site for updates.<br>

An exceptional wildflower crop in Death Valley depends on 2 things, some rain in the fall around the time that flowering plants go to seed (to help embed the seed so they don't blow away) and good winter rains to help germination. So far, it's look pretty good. For seeding in October there was decent rainfall, but essentially none in November. But rainfall since (including today!) is quite favorable. If the lack of November rain has a meaningful effect, it will be to reduce the quantity of flowers, not the quality.<br>

If you have the flexibility, plan to go to Antelope and Death Valley on weekdays - if the flowers are good, these places can get jammed on weekend days without rain.</p>