Record winter rainfall across Southern California has raised expectations for a California super bloom, prompting Korean American travel agencies to introduce a wave of spring wildflower tour programs.
Near Los Angeles, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is widely regarded as a representative poppy-flower destination. After the large-scale bloom in 2023, expectations for another flowering season have grown. Chino Hills State Park and Walker Canyon are also major viewing sites.
Industry operators say seasonal packages include late-February to early-March Central California almond blossom tours, mid-March to early-April poppy tours, April wildflower trips to Death Valley National Park, and May tulip festivals.
Samho Tour will operate Red Rock poppy day tours on April 15 and April 18. Vice President Youngim Shin said the itinerary travels by VVIP limousine to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve and Red Rock Canyon State Park, priced at $99 including lunch.
A super bloom occurs when sufficient fall and winter rainfall combines with mild temperatures, triggering large-scale desert wildflower blooming and increasing spring tourism demand.
The most closely watched site is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, about 85 miles northeast of San Diego and the largest state park in California. The area has recorded about 3.5 inches of rain in recent months. Wildflowers have already been observed around Henderson Canyon Road, with peak bloom expected in March.
Death Valley National Park, a core region of the Mojave Desert, is also considered a bloom candidate. After above-average rainfall from last fall through early winter, the National Park Service (NPS) projected this year to be “a good year for blooming.” Wildflower viewing may continue from February to March in low elevations and April to June in higher elevations.
Marking its 42nd anniversary, Aju Tour expanded spring programs. Day tours departing on the 25th and 27th follow the Bakersfield-Fresno Blossom Trail featuring almond, peach, and apricot blossoms for $99. A mid-April Lancaster poppy visit and an early-May overnight Death Valley wildflower tour are also planned.
Director Steve Cho said the Death Valley trip uses a nearby hotel rather than Las Vegas to reduce travel burden.
Chunchu Tour offers a February 24 almond blossom day tour ($99), a March 21 coastal wildflower rail trip ($125, including Amtrak ticket), and a March 23 overnight Death Valley tour (regular $399, discounted $349).
Team Manager Grace Lee said demand for the almond blossom trip is high enough for buses to depart from both Los Angeles and Buena Park, and the Death Valley program stays at the Pahrump Nugget Casino Hotel instead of Las Vegas to shorten travel time.
BY Eunyoung Lee [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]
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