Enjoy Wildflowers at a San Mateo County Park This Spring

Spring is nearly here and we're already seeing hints of the showy wildflower carpets that bloom in many San Mateo County Parks each year. If you're looking for a diversity of flower colors and species, consider visiting the following County parks now through May.

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's shared flower observations. The Visitor Center is located at the park entrance.

Learn more about San Pedro Valley Park.

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 for 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.

Learn more about San Bruno Mountain Park.

Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, Redwood City

Edgewood Park is famous for its wildflower displays this time of year. The Friends of Edgewood lead popular weekend hikes, Friday through Sunday, until early May. Register to attend on the Friends of Edgewood Eventbrite page.

On weekends, while the event series is underway, Edgewood Park parking lots fill up fast, so 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.

Or, to avoid the crowds altogether, experience the bloom on you own Monday through Thursday. The Friends of Edgewood provide a Edgewood Wildflower Survey listing flowers in bloom and where to view, including trail names and junctions.

Learn more about Edgewood Park.

Follow the Bloom Online

Finally, if a park visit this spring isn't feasible for you, follow San Mateo County Parks on Facebook and Instagram March through April as we highlight spring flowers in various parks.