Bay Area Wildflower Hikes

Overview: Springtime sunshine ignites a blast of color on the hills of the Bay Area. In the best years, hills can be practically painted white, orange, yellow or purple. Even in lean years, wildflower season offers hikers beautiful reminders of the rhythms of life.

Wildflower season runs primarily from February through June, peaking in mid-April. Virtually every Bay Area trail will have at least a few blooms popping up through the green grass of the open hills or sprouting on the forest floor at trail's edge.

The flaming orange California Poppy, which thrives on steep sunny slopes, is the most visible sign of spring. The Mariposa lily, which arrives late in the season on sunny South Bay hills, looks as if Vincent Van Gogh himself might have stopped by with a paintbrush and slapped some watercolors on its petals. Wild irises hide in tall grass, blooming purple and fading to white as summer approaches. Local wildflowers bloom in hundreds of varieties, some tiny and understated, others big and bloomy. See all you can.

Tips: Poison Oak often lurks next to wildflowers along trails.

Ticks are very active in springtime, especially in tall grass. Always inspect yourself after you're done hiking.

Trails can be very muddy in springtime; gaiters and trekking poles are handy if you have them.

What to bring
Layers -- weather varies widely.
Water and snacks
Trail maps
Camera
Wildflower field guide