California Super Bloom

Not cheap, but one of the best stays in the area. I recommend Feb-April if you’re coming for desert blooms. As of April 2023, there’s no front desk and the continental breakfast is delivered to your room like it’s still Covid. The swimming pool is reportedly clothing optional. I assume that means there are some Europeans around. This is a no-kids hotel. The entire region is a Dark Sky area so if you come to Borrego when there is no moon the Milky Way is going to be amazing. Because of the lack of street lights or other interfering lights at night, moonlight feels exceptionally bright here. It’s something to experience. I’ve yet to have much other than bland Boomer food in Borrego. Is there anything truly good to eat here?

A great place for fields of orange California poppies with the added benefit of snow-covered mountains in the background of your photos. This is an easy day trip from L.A. Flowers extend all the way down though Lake Elsinore. Often right along the freeway.

Flowering cacti, chirping frogs, and a river in the desert. It’s a sandy road to get here, but you can safely reach a place to park without 4-wheel drive, as long as you don’t go past the river bed itself. Walking up the river, as the elevation gently rises, will bring you to a lush green area full of birds. Bring plenty of water!

Mountain Goats & Cactus Flowers in one short hike. The trail is across the street from the Tamarisk Grove Campground. Easy parking along the road. The hike is a stone step elevation climb through some of the best desert flower blooms California has to offer between February and April. At the summit of the climb you can look across to vegetation-free cliffs where mountain goats are often spotted. There is a whiteboard at the campground entrance where people list recent animal sightings. The campground itself is unique in providing many sites with small cabins.