Wildflowers

Spring wildflowers are one of Death Valley's top visual attractions. To see this otherwise barren land awash in color is truly an unforgettable experience! Nature's whims can be unpredictable, however, and there is no guarantee that the flowers will be in bloom when you visit. Some years the flowering season is spectacular, other times it is nearly nonexistent. If you are lucky enough to see wildflowers, remember that you are in a national park and must heed its rules and regulations. Picking flowers is strictly prohibited. 

What's Out There

There are over 1,000 plant species in Death Valley National Park, including 13 species of cactus and 23 endemics (plants that are known to grow only in the Death Valley region). Most of the plants that flower are desert annuals, also referred to as ephemerals. Colors range from white and yellow to purple, blue, red and bright magenta. 

Peak Blooming Periods

Rainfall: The best time to see a spring floral display is in years of high rainfall, when precipitation has exceeded the Death Valley annual average of only about 1.9 inches. In general, years that see heavy rains in late October with little rain through the winter months will not bring out the flowers as well as years that witness evenly-spaced precipitation throughout the winter and into the spring. 

Valley Floor and Alluvial Fans: Best in mid-February to mid-April. Look for desert star, blazing star, desert gold, mimulus, encelia, poppies, verbena, evening primrose, phacelia and various species of cacti.

2,000 to 4,000 feet: Best in early April to early May. The prime spot for viewing is the Panamint Mountains. Look for desert paintbrush, mojave desert rue, lupine, joshua tree, bear poppy, cacti and panamint daisies. 

Above 4,000 feet: Best in late April to early June; as with lower elevations, the ideal viewing area continues to be the the Paramint Mountains. Look for mojave wildrose, rabbitbrush, panamint daisies, mariposa lilies and lupine.