Desert Wildflowers

Every spring, nature lovers and photographers in San Diego eagerly await the blooming of the wildflowers in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California. It is difficult to predict exactly when the flowers will begin to bloom every year, as it depends on a number of factors, such as temperatures, sun, wind, and rain. This year, many flowers began to bloom around late February and early March.

Since Anza-Borrego State Park is about 2 hours east of San Diego by car, many visitors first stop by at the half-way point in Julian, a historic gold mining town located in the mountains. Julian is famous for having four distinct seasons (a rarity in southern California) and for its apples. It’s no surprise, then, that many people who stop in Julian make sure to have a warm slice of apple pie or an apple cider donut at the Julian Pie Company.

Once visitors arrive at Anza-Borrego State Park, they can hike to see waterfalls, canyons, and even an old railroad track. They may also see bighorn sheep, iguanas, and eagles. Of course, they will also see wildflowers in almost every shape and color imaginable. Flowers even bloom from cacti! The only thing you need to remember is to get to the park before the flowers are gone; this year’s wildflowers have already pretty much ended their display!

eagerly await = esperan con impaciencia
wildflowers = flores silvestres
predict = pronosticar
bloom = florecer
visitors = visitantes
gold mining = la minería de oro
rarity = una cosa rara
apple pie = torta de manzana
waterfalls = cataratas
railroad track = ferrocarril
cacti (plural of cactus) = cactos