Right now in California there is a phenomena that only happens once in a decade...the Death Valley Super Bloom. Flowers are blooming across the horizon like a golden carpet of yellow delight to the likes of which we haven't seen in Death Valley since 2005. So we thought we'd give you all the deets on this once in a lifetime viewing experience.
What's a Super Bloom?
Death Valley is usually a dry baron badland that holds the record for the hottest temperature (134 degrees in 1913). It's hot, dry and has one of the lowest elevations in North America (282 feet below sea level at Badwater Basin). If flowers were to bloom here they usually dry up and die from the scorching heat.
But this year, California has had a unusually wet fall and even wetter winter. With rain being rare in this part of California it caused millions of seeds that were dormant for years to suddenly sprout to life and grow into beautiful wildflowers stretching as far as the eye can see. “It’s very rare to have a good bloom in Death Valley,” says Alan Van Valkenburg, a par ranger. “To get a big bloom like this—a super bloom beyond all your expectations—that’s very rare, maybe once in a decade.”
(Photo Credit: National Parks Traveler)
Where to see it
The National Park Service has great info on their site about getting around the Death Valley area...they've also got a "Wildflower 2016" update page. The NPS says a few of the best places to view are the alluvial fan near Mile Marker 25, Beatty Cutoff Road and the Daylight Pass Road. Check out their wildflower map for more detailed info about the area.
Tours and Walks
Ranger Walks are provided on a schedule basis so make sure to check their sechedule before heading out to the area. While at Furnace Creek Visitor Center you can pick up the full-color brochure titled "Wildflowers of Death Valley National Park."
(Photo Credit: NPCA)
Where to Stay
Make a weekend getaway out of this California sight-seeing adventure and stay at some of our favorite hotels.
Death Valley Stovepipe Wells: Located right in Death Valley National Park is the ultimate destination for adventure travelers. Authentically western, rustic yet comfortable, Stovepipe Wells Village, with its unique hotel, Death Valley restaurant and Western saloon, has been at the end of the trail for vacationers since 1926.
Furnace Creek Resort: Boasts a golf course, spring fed swimming pools, a restaurant and horse-back riding within the Death Valley National Park area.
*The first photo appears with credit: The Chromologist