Rare California “Super Bloom” Ignites Rolling Hills with Fields of Fiery Orange Poppies

California Superbloom

Stock Photos from Thomas Morris/Shutterstock

The city of Lake Elsinore is a modest community of about 66,000 people but it has recently seen its foot traffic nearly double. More than 50,000 people from around the world trekked 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles to this picturesque locale in order to witness the recent super bloom in Walker Canyon. This rare phenomenon, caused by above-average rainfall, produced vibrant orange poppies on the Temescal Mountains. This change cloaks the surrounding hills in a fiery wave, so it’s no wonder their beauty draws such crowds.

The last super bloom in Walker Canyon occurred in 2017. Since that time, the popularity of it has only grown; and Instagram plays a large role in this. The gorgeous natural beauty is ideal for serious landscape photographers and selfie enthusiasts who brave the “Disneyland-like crowds” to get the perfect shot. Their time spent journeying to the ideal locale, however, is worth it. The images that are being shared from the super bloom are breathtaking and will make you wish you were there smelling the poppies.

Check out some of our favorite shots from the California super bloom below.

The rare California super bloom has turned the rolling hills of Walker Canyon into vibrant fields of bright orange.

California Superbloom

Stock Photos from MODpix/Shutterstock

California Superbloom

Stock Photos from MODpix/Shutterstock

California Superbloom

Stock Photos from Thomas Morris/Shutterstock

California Superbloom

Stock Photos from Natalia Dudziak/Shutterstock

California Superbloom

Stock Photos from Natalia Leen/Shutterstock

California Superbloom

Stock Photos from MODpix/Shutterstock

People from around the world are coming to enjoy the poppies.

California Superbloom

Stock Photos from Simone Hogan/Shutterstock

California Superbloom

Stock Photos from Simone Hogan/Shutterstock

Many are also sharing their beautiful photos on Instagram.

A post shared by Marlon Holden (@marlonholden) on

A post shared by Ari Garber (@thearigarber) on

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Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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