Nature enthusiasts have walked among colorful native flowers that grow wild at Elizabeth Lake and Munz Ranch Roads.
(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)
For me, spring means making trips en route to document wild flowers across the south of California. But this season has not been good.
Due to the lack of rain during the crucial winter months, areas which are sometimes covered with poppies, lupines and other flowers – the Arvin cross area in Arvin, Walker Canyon in Lake Elsenore and the Antelope valley, to name only a few – are more sterile this year. I thought I should abandon my quest.
Although no significant California poppicot has increased this year in southern California this year, a large field of colorful native flowers is unleashed in Elizabeth Lake and Munz Ranch Roads, in the Elizabeth Lake community in California on Sunday. The location is about two hours north of Los Angeles.
(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)
But then, I heard murmurs about a large field of poppies in the small community of Elizabeth Lake, south of Lancaster. I decided to enter my camera and make the two-hour journey from my home to see what was there.
It turns out that the hills facing south are covered with golden and orange poppies. Being surrounded in the light felt almost electric. There were just a handful of people taking photos and going on a steep path to the top of the hill.
The fields are located on the Elizabeth Lake and Munz Ranch roads. You can park on the side of the road next to the poppies.
Some notes if you decide to see the splendor at Elizabeth Lake: go in the next two to three weeks if you can. Make sure to respect the speed limits and neighbors. Use the pedestrian crossing and be careful when you cross the road. There is a main path on the hill divided in two. Stay on these trails and do not trample the flowers (or do not bring home). Take advantage of the landscape and leave no trace.
It turns out that this season is not a complete bust with regard to wild flowers. Happy spring.
If you decide to see the flowering of Lake Elizabeth, make sure you don't leave any trace.
(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)
