California may be lucky enough to have another super bloom in 2026 due to heavy winter rainfall. Typically, the state only experiences a superbloom—a rare event where countless dormant wildflowers bloom simultaneously—about once every decade. However, there was a super bloom as recently as 2023, and those bright orange flowers may bloom again this year.
Those unusually heavy winter rains may have created ideal conditions for a natural phenomenon in some desert areas of Southern California, CBS San Diego Channel 8 reports. Some of these areas received about 3.5 inches of rain in the two months leading up to January 2026. Typically, the area receives about 5 inches of rain, so it has received about 70 percent of its annual average.
Where to See California’s Blooming Flowers
Between March and April, wildflowers bloom, filling the desert and mountain slopes with color. Death Valley is one of the best places to witness these vibrant carpets of flowers. By the end of 2025, the National Weather Service reported that Death Valley had experienced record-breaking rainfall—a good sign for a super bloom. Some people have noticed early blooms appearing in the area, a sign that the ground is ready for a wider field of wildflowers.
Blooms have also been spotted at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near San Diego. Other popular viewing spots in Southern California include Antelope Canyon California Poppy Refuge State Natural Reserve, Joshua Tree National Park, and Mojave National Monument. The 2026 desert wildflower season is expected to peak in March to April at lower elevations and may extend into May and June at higher elevations.
RELATED: California’s Best National Parks
While the super bloom forecast is strongest in Southern California, there are still many popular spring wildflower viewing spots in central and northern California. Some destinations include Carrizo Plains National Monument in San Luis Obispo County, North Table Mountain Ecological Preserve in Butte County, and Mount Diablo State Park in Contra Costa County. Depending on weather conditions, desert areas in the neighboring states of Nevada and Arizona may also experience a strong wildflower season in spring 2026.
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What you need to know when planning your Super Bloom trip
The future may be bright, but keep in mind that hot, dry weather may hinder blooming. Southern California has been experiencing warmer-than-average temperatures over the past month or so, which could spoil the expected blooms if they continue. Scientists and park officials are closely monitoring conditions to predict blooms.
If the superflower does appear, tourists and locals will flock to the hillsides to view the orange blooms. However, it is important to visit in a way that respects and sustains the environment so that these flowers can continue to bloom well into the distant future. So please stick to the trails, avoid flower picking, and only enter authorized areas.
bottom line
Hopeful visitors, please keep your fingers crossed for rain and cooler temperatures in the coming months. No matter which location you choose, California’s blooms will provide an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking vibrant spring wildflowers.
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