A blanket of bright orange covers the grasslands near Lancaster, Los Angeles County, during May and April. Thousands of spectators annually come to see this seasonal display of California’s official state flower (Eschscholzia californica or California Poppy) in the 1,781 acres of protected land called the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. With eight miles of trails, the park is designed to let visitors roam through the rolling hills to experience the floral landscape from all angles. The poppies bloom alongside other flowers that infuse speckles of yellow and lavender. Park authorities advise everyone to stay on the trails to preserve the natural habitat and ecosystem, including the local variety of rattlesnakes and scorpions meandering throughout the area.

Enjoy, and share, more photos in the California Poppy Reserve gallery and California Poppy group.