Though the fields of blooming flowers are beautiful, they're not expected to last much longer with late February and early March's forecast predicting a dramatic warm-up with temperatures climbing to the high 80's and even low 90's. With that in mind, if you want to see this year's wildflowers for yourself, it's best to visit soon, before the bloom ends.
Currently, predictions suggest that the flowers in Anza Borrego will be visible through the remainder of spring, with more potentially on the way in the upcoming weeks.
How long this continues will depend on factors like temperature, rainfall, insects, wind, and even the effect of crowds.
Yellow Flowers of the Mojave Prickly Pear Cactus in Anza Borrego Desert State Park
What Flowers are Currently Blooming?
As of the writing of this article in the last days of February 2026, many areas in the Anza Borrego desert are currently covered in swathes of greenery. Yellow and orange flowers dominate the landscape, with a few patches of purple wildflowers like desert sand verbena mixed in too.
There's a surprising amount of biodiversity among native Southern California wildflowers. Species of flowers currently in bloom include the bright yellow blooms of the brittlebush, and fishhook cactus with the barrel cactus and cholla expected to bloom in about a month.
Henderson Canyon & Lower Elevations
Blooms along Henderson Canyon and at lower elevations are already past their prime and only expected to decline with the coming heat. At this point you can expect scattered color rather than full flower coverage.
If you're quick to arrive along Henderson Canyon Road you could be treated to desert sand verbena, brown-eyed primroses, desert sunflowers, desert lilies, evening primrose, Spanish needles, and apricot mallow.
Coyote Canyon, Borrego Palm Canyon & More Hotspots!
Coyote Canyon features much of the same with the flowers more spread-out. This area also will have desert phacelia, desert star and one of my favorites, the white petals of the Fremont pincushion.
Other suggestions would be Borrego Palm Canyon for the desert lavender and yellow nightshade groundcherry, the S-22 Corridor, entrance to Coachwhip Canyon, and Rainbow Canyon where you might see verbena, cheesebush, the ocotillo (even the red ones), fiddleneck and a lot more!
Desert lilies are blooming in Arroyo Salado, Truckhaven, and Inspiration Wash. Just know that AWD or 4x4 are recommended for those areas. You'll also find an assortment of flowers at South Palm Wash including desert lily, blazing star, desert chickory, and desert tobacco to name just a few!
Badlands Area
This is the area I stumbled upon in 2024 and the location I can personally recommend. As one of the most unique wildflower experiences in Anza Borrego, if you can get there soon, the area should be at peak bloom at the end of February and early March.
The highlight is in the San Felipe Wash, Cut Across Trail, Short Wash, and Fonts Point areas that have desert lilies blooming, a dramatic scene in an otherwise stark and sparse landscape.
Just know that for some of these areas a AWD or 4WD is required with high clearance vehicles strongly recommended.
Higher Elevations & Canyons
If you can't make it out to the park in the next few days or this coming weekend, then your best bet may be to head to some of the higher elevations.
Peak bloom in these areas is predicted for the first week of March in 2026 as they retain moisture longer and have a slight buffer from the heat. This may be a good choice if you visit in the coming weeks.
Purple Flowers of the Desert Sand Verbena in Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Super Bloom Prediction for 2026
The current bloom cycle is a result of the higher-than-average amount of rainfall in and around San Diego in the past three months. Along with more flower seeds than usual, many of which have been dormant for years or even decades, the conditions have aligned to make 2026's wildflower bloom look incredible.
Since super blooms are dependent on so many factors, they're difficult to predict. Around San Diego and Los Angeles, while a true super bloom is unlikely, fields full of flowers are guaranteed!
With temperatures looking to spike in the coming days, I think San Diego's wildflower season will actually peak a bit early this year while some other regions of California, like the Eastern Sierra and Bay Area, floral blooms could continue as late as June and July.