Spring is here and the showy carpet of wildflowers has begun in many San Mateo County Parks. If you’re looking for a diversity of flower colors and species, consider visiting the following County parks now through April.
San Pedro Valley Park, Pacifica
Hike Weiler Ranch Road and Hazelnut Trail to see Pacific trillium, Fetid adder's tongue, Checker lily, and Pacific hound's tongue. If you’re lucky, you may spot the Golden chinquapin along Hazelnut Trail.
On Montara Mountain Trail and Brooks Creek Trail you may see Fremont's death camas and California hedge nettle, in addition to flowers previously listed.
On weekends stop by the Visitor Center, staffed by Friends of San Pedro Valley volunteers, to inquire about volunteer and hiker flower observations. The Visitor Center is located at the park entrance.
San Bruno Mountain State and County Park, Brisbane
For wildflower shows, visit Summit Loop and Dairy Ravine Trails for a short, easy hike or Summit Loop and Ridge Trails for a more demanding day. Both routes offer prime flower viewing. Watch from Coastal iris, lupines, California poppies, Indian paintbrush, and Purple owl clover. If you want to create a show of color in your own yard next spring, visit the San Bruno Mountain Watch Mission Blue Nursery, a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and protecting San Bruno Mountain.
Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, Redwood City
Edgewood Park is famous for wildflower displays this time of year. So much so that parking lots are often full March through May when the Friends of Edgewood lead weekend hikes.
Consider the following alternative ways for achieving the bloom experience!
- In addition to the very popular Saturday and Sunday hikes, volunteers lead hikes on Friday mornings and afternoons. Reservations through Eventbrite are required for all guided hikes.
- Hike on your own Monday through Friday. The Friends of Edgewood post a Edgewood Wildflower Survey listing flowers in bloom and where to view, including trail names and junctions.
- Consider parking at the Edgewood Trailhead on Edgewood Road or Clarkia Trailhead on Cañada Road. Watch for passing vehicles when crossing the road. See park map and brochure for more information.
Finally, if a park visit this spring is not feasible, follow San Mateo County Parks on Facebook and Instagram March through April as we highlight spring flowers in various parks.