One of the glories of spring in SoCal are the 2-4 week window we get for wild flowers. And what more revered posey than California's Official Flower, the Golden Poppy.
And of course, that means a Road Trip to see 'em! I'll make this simple and give you GPS via points to guide you off the freeways whenever possible. You should be able to set your Sat-Nav to the "California Poppy Reserve" as a destination, then, to get the most out of the drive, set as a "Via Point" the "Drinkwater Flats OHV." This will send you up the I-5 to CA126, and instead of going west, go east and up Francisquito Canyon Rd.
This spot has the added interest as the sight of the 1928 St. Francis Dam disaster that flooded all the way to Santa Paula and Ventura. It ruined our water bearing pioneer, Mulholland.
From there, via Muntz Rd. you'll snake over the hills to the Reserve. It's best to go on a week day as the place is packed on a weekend. By the look of things, you probably have at least a week to see the poppies in their glory. It's $4.50 ea for seniors. There's a visitor center and potties, benches from which to gaze, and trails to hike for those so inclined. Plan to get there mid-morning. Too early and the poppies haven't opened up yet and you miss the show.
Now, you COULD just go home, but, NOOOO. You're a Road Tripper! So (and I hope you packed a picnic lunch?) reset the GPS for Caliente or Bealville. Either will take you up past Willow Springs Raceway and to Tehachapi for some rail fanning. The original "Road Trippin'" book will give you ideas for where to spot choo-choos and yes, there is food in Tehachapi. I suggest a picnic in Caliente however. It's a wonderfully quiet spot.
Now, to get home, there's a couple of options. The best is to (again refer to the book--wait, WHAT you haven't bought it yet? Sheesh! Go to www.mccarthypix.com and get one. It's all new and improved and updated!!) head back on Caliente-Bodfish Rd. to "Bena," thence to Bakersfield. For best results, turn RIGHT on Bena Rd.!
You'll join up with CA58, then home via CA99 and over the Grapevine. OR, take either CA58 or CA166 to the Central Coast and US101.
So, here's some photos to inspire you:
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