Sunday, March 1, 2015

Santa Monica Mountains Wildflower Extravaganza

The Santa Monica Mountains are ablaze with wildflowers right now. The bloom this year is as spectacular as it has been in at least the past five years. Get yourself out there and see it before it's over. These pics are from the La Jolla Valley and the Backbone Trail.

Note: I've done my best at identification. If I've made any mistakes, please let me know so I can correct it.
Field of Lupine in the La Jolla Valley

 
Broadleaf Lupine

 
California Poppies


California Poppies in the La Jolla Valley

Wild Hyacinth (aka Blue Dicks)

Wild Sweet Pea

Beautiful Crimson Pitcher Sage

Bright Indian Paint Brush

Padre's Shooting Star

Collarless California Poppy

California Poppy with Lupine
 
Fringed Linanthus

Sacred Datura

Stinging Lupine

California Brittlebrush aka Bush Sunflower

Parry's Phacelia in La Jolla Canyon

Emory's Rock Daisy

Sticky Monkey Flower

Sticky Phacelia

Bladerpod

Catalina Mariposa Lily

Cardinal Catchfly

Fountain Grass
 
Chaparral Nightshade



5 comments:

  1. These are spectacular! I'm new to the area so was wondering if you can tell me which of these trails are good for novice hikers? And which one is best right now for viewing these flowers? Thanks!

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    1. Hi Cuong. Apologies for the delayed reply on this. I've been away from the blog for a bit. I don't know what the situation is currently, but I went up the Chumash Trail from PCH, into the La Jolla Valley, cut down the Loop Trail, ascended the Mugu Peak Trail, and then wrapped around the front side of Mugu Peak back to the intersection of the Chumash Trail. The Backbone Trail from the Ray Miller Trailhead in La Jolla Canyon is also good. The La Jolla Canyon Trail itself is closed because of damage done by the winter storms.

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  2. Super beautiful flowers. Thanks for posting them.

    HJ

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jimbo. I miss seeing your informative posts on the SGMDF.

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  3. Great work! I like the same "Chaparral Nightshade"

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