2026 Desert Wildflower Conditions Report
March 18, 2026
The Owens Valley has a beautiful display of wildflowers starting up! Red, purple, yellow, and white flowers throughout the Valley, with bees and butterflies in the air.
Current Conditions
Throughout the Owens Valley, there are colorful displays of groundcover. Down in Southern Inyo County we are seeing many species including desert peach, some Inyo Bush Lupine, lots of Wooly Daisy, Sand Blossoms, Blue Chia and more.
Around Bishop we are seeing Desert Dandelions, Fiddleneck, Venus Blazing Stars, Dwarf Phacelia, Golden Linanthus, and even a few Paintbrush
Best Viewing Locations
Just pull off onto almost any dirt road and wander into the desert. Especially a little above Bishop’s elevation. The base of the White Mountains, and even just a few hundred feet above Bishop are where most of the colors are currently. (Sometimes it’s like a treasure hunt to find the best spots…so bring your sense of adventure!)
What’s Next? (Forecast)
The bloom follows the temperature and elevation. As the valley floor heats up throughout March, the flowers will begin to “climb” the mountains.
- Mid-March to Mid-April: Expect the peak to shift toward the mid-elevations (4,000 to 6,000 feet) such as up towards lower Rock Creek, up Highway 168 East and West, and all of the surrounding mountains.
- May to August: The high-elevation slopes (above 6,000 feet) will continue to have Lupine, Paintbrush, Desert Peach, Phlox, Tiger Lilies, Star Gazers, and so much more!
Tips for Visitors
- We are experiencing a heat wave currently, so please have water with you.
- Road Conditions: Here’s a link to the webcams, weather, and road conditions for the Bishop Area.
As always, please help protect the park by staying on established roads, parking safely, and leaving wildflowers where they grow so they can continue to flourish.
