Land Acknowledgment: Payahuunadu has been, and continues to be, the homeland of the Paiute (Nuumu), Shoshone (Newe), and Timbisha peoples. This land acknowledgment honors the original inhabitants of the Eastern Sierra and the tribes who remain here today.
Wildflower season in the Eastern Sierra is rad. Right year, right place, right time, you will find psychedelic carpets of orange, purple, yellow and gold. From the neon super bloom of Death Valley to Yosemite’s idyllic meadows, here’s your guide on how to briefly see some flowers that will blow your mind.
DEATH VALLEY: SUPERBLOOM OR NOTHING
Death Valley often looks, and feels, like scorched earth. But throw in one freakishly wet winter, and suddenly this sun-blasted wasteland flips into a fever dream of gold and purple. Desert gold, sand verbena, and evening primrose appear overnight, covering the landscape in colors usually reserved for acid trips or desktop backgrounds.
Where: Badwater Basin, Jubilee Pass, Titus Canyon
When: Late February – Early April (only if it rains, tho)
Why?
• Instagram bragging rights (we know you care).
• It might never bloom again—no pressure, though.
Pro Tip: Go at sunrise, unless you’re into heatstroke.
LONE PINE: IN THE SHADOW OF GIANTS
The Alabama Hills looks like Mars, but when orange poppies, purple lupine, and yellow coreopsis bloom beneath Mount Whitney, it’s basically nature’s way of saying, “Here, have some more dopamine.” Higher up Horseshoe Meadow Road, Indian paintbrush and wild iris briefly pop off before summer hits hard.
Where: Lone Pine – Alabama Hills, Horseshoe Meadow Road, Inyo Foothills
When: March – May
Why?
• Epic views of the tallest peaks in the Lower 48.
• Way fewer crowds than Death Valley.
Pro Tip: For best views, wander down random dirt roads but stay on trail! What you think is dead brush is actually a thriving eco-system so act accordingly.
BISHOP: CACTUS TO CLOUDS
If you have climber friends, probably only heard of Bishop. Turns out those boulders get even better when lupine and paintbrush bloom around them. Meanwhile, Pine Creek and McGee Creek deliver epic lush wildflower meadows.
Where: Buttermilk Country, Pine Creek Canyon, McGee Creek
When: April – June
Why?
• Desert-meets-alpine flowers, a botanical identity crisis that’s fun to watch.
• Bishop has bomb food.
Pro Tip: Hit McGee Creek early June to catch both desert and alpine blooms.
MAMMOTH LAKES: ALPINE ENERGY
While the lowlands dry up, Mammoth’s just waking up from its winter hangover. Picture fields of paintbrush, lupine, and wild bergamot next to sparkling alpine lakes, and then ask yourself why are we in the desert getting sandblasted?
Where: Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes Basin, Reds Meadow
When: June – August
Why?
• The flowers last longer here.
• Cooler temps result in less reasons to complain.
Pro Tip: Late July = peak bloom.
JUNE LAKE: IS RAD
June Lake is Mammoth’s chill, low-key cousin, who is super cool, and you will find yourself wanting to hang out with, more and more.
Where: Parker Lake Trail, June Lake Loop, Gull Lake
When: June – August
Why?
• We will say it again. June Lake is rad.
• Fewer tourists; more local.
Pro Tip: Parker Lake Trail has big views and lush flowers. Bring snacks.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: GOOD LUCK
Yosemite’s flowers are everything you would expect them to be. Yes, you’ll be battling wild crowds.
Where: Tuolumne Meadows, Sentinel Meadow, Hetch Hetchy
When: Late June – August
Why?
• It’s Yosemite.
• Alpine meadows with postcard views everywhere.
Pro Tip: Go mid-week, or prepare yourself mentally for parking wars.
FINAL THOUGHTS: GO FAST OR MISS EVERYTHING
Boom. Gone. Sign up below and we will let you know when things start popping.
Tag your pics: #sayawe
More tips and tricks 👇🏼
Where to stay in Lone Pine, CA
Best Places to Stay in Bishop, CA
Where to Eat on the 395
Eastern Sierra Events
Foodies Guide to Bishop, CA
A message from AWE: In the ’80s, tossing trash out of car windows was commonplace—until the “Don’t Be a Litterbug” campaign came along and changed behavior on a massive scale. At AWE, we believe the same power of messaging can transform how people care for the places we love to travel and explore. Most people are good, and travel is inevitable—every hike, swimming hole, and climbing spot is just a few clicks away. As content creators, we believe we have a responsibility to weave Leave No Trace principles into everything we share, inspiring travelers to recreate responsibly and minimize their impact on the incredible places so many of us cherish. Your actions matter: where you walk, how you park, how you treat locals, and even how loud you play your music. It all makes a difference. Search “Leave No Trace” to learn more about responsible recreation and how you can help protect the wild spaces we love and share.
AWE Disclaimer: Recreation activities may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to changing weather conditions, challenging terrain, wildlife encounters, and other unforeseen hazards. Visitors should check with local land management agencies or authorities for up-to-date information on trail conditions, access, permits, and regulations before planning their trip. Always prioritize safety by being prepared, carrying adequate supplies, and following Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment. Respect local rules, private property, and other visitors. This post is for informational purposes only, and participation in any activity is at your own risk.
