Road Trip - 3/7/10

I took a drive on Sunday, 3/7/10, that started from Hwy 58 going up to Santa Margarita. There were plenty of wildflowers blooming (including a nice patch of Tidy Tips right by the onramp to the I-5) along the way, including Tidy Tips, Goldfields and some Red Stemmed Filaree, which was turning the hillsides a lovely shade of lavender in some spots. I also spotted some Phacelia near McKittrick, but I guess it is too early for the Phacelia yet. I didn't check out Carrizo Plain this time. I heard it was still pretty green there yet. I also spotted some nice patches of Shooting Stars and Popcorn Flower along the 58. Shell Creek Road wasn't very showy yet, but there are a few Baby Blue Eyes, Tidy Tips and a few California Poppies hanging around. Gonna make a return trip there maybe in a week or two.

My next stop was the Los Osos State Natural Reserve in (you guessed it, Los Osos). It is a nice little park with a few hiking trails amongst the old oak trees. (watch out for the poison oak...it is abundant, but if you stick to the trails, it won't bug you). The trails branch off here and there, and it is easy to get turned around, but since the park is right next to the road, you can find your way back pretty easily. It was muddy in a few spots, but not overall, it was in pretty good shape. Not many wildflowers here. I spotted a few Pitcher Sage, Miner's Lettuce and Sun Cups though.

Next was Figueroa Mountain. It was pretty breezy and kind of cold and overcast that day, so I didn't get many photos (plus I REALLY had to use the bathroom.....no bathrooms there until you hit the campground - lol). I did spot Johnny Jump Ups, Pitcher Sage, Goldfields, Shooting Stars, Chocolate Lilies, Blue Dicks, to name a few. No huge blooms yet though.

I continued up the coast on the 101 and then out to Hwy 1 all the way up to Torrance, then I headed back home. This weekend, I plan on heading to Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Santa Rosa Ecological Plateau, Malibu Creek, Solstice Canyon and maybe even the Pinnacles National Monument (and hopefully maybe up Carmel Valley Road...such a nice drive!!).

Until then, happy trails!!


Links to check out:

Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve
Los Osos Oaks
US Forest Service - Figueroa Mountain
GORP - Figueroa Mountain
California Wildflower Hotline
Carol Leigh's California Wildflower Hotsheet