Will there or will there not be a Super Bloom in the Anza Borrego Desert in Spring 2023 and will the Painted Lady Butterflies be back in Southern California this Spring?
If Winter rains in the Anza Borrego Desert and early wildflower blooms in January 2023 are any indicator of a Super Bloom, then YES!
I visited the south Anza Borrego Desert in early January this year. The desert valley with wildflowers developing, and nearby mountains were all looking spectacular following a weekend rain. All just 90 minutes east of San Diego.
I especially loved the Grove of Picturesque Palm Trees we found west of the Mountain Palm Springs Campground off Hwy S2, south of Canebrake towards Hwy 8 and Ocotillo. AWD or 4WD Vehicle Recommended on the dirt roads out in the Anza Borrego Desert. This dirt road took you 2-3 miles off the western side of Hwy S2, just at the road sign for Mountain Palm Springs Campground. It was so peaceful and undisturbed in the Mountain Palm Springs Area.
A 2nd place we visited during this day trip was Little Blair Valley. Again, a dirt road this time to the east of Hwy S2 heading back to our campground at StageCoach Trails. Beautiful Desert Sunset, Morteros and Pictographs in the Little Blair Valley. Who knew we had these types of remnants of ancient life in our Anza Borrego Desert and in San Diego County!
Lastly the migration of the popular Painted Lady Butterfly (similar but different from the Monarch Butterfly) in the early Spring the Painted Lady butterflies migrate north from Mexico through California. Passing through the Anza Borrego Desert especially when a Super Bloom or thriving wildflower season visits our southern California Deserts.
If you plan on visiting Borrego Springs or the Anza Borrego State Park Area this Winter or Spring. Reach out, I might be able to help with some suggestions for beautiful places to visit and hike, and also here in the more central San Diego County. email: camille@welcome2uradventure
Thanks Camille
You’re welcome, Mike. Glad you enjoyed the article.
Good information Camille.
What is your expectation for timing of bloom of the ocotillos?
Thanks – Mary
Hi Mary, It looks the Ocotillo’s bloom in the Anza Borrego Desert is starting in remote areas and will be increasing during February, peaking Feb-March. Then starting to decline in April-May. One of the best areas in ABSP to see Ocotillo’s is off of Pinyon Wash Road.