Special to Road Trips for Gardeners

Lake Havasu City will be “wild” this spring. More than 20 wildflowers and flowering plants bloom throughout the region.

Thanks to abundant winter rainfall, the desert is expected to come alive with desert wildflowers – nature’s little miracles thriving with fragrance and color yet remaining dormant in the dust-dry desert most of the year.

The flowering season usually starts in late February and lasts until May. More than 20 wildflowers and flowering plants bloom throughout the region, including poppies, desert chicory, brittlebush, chuparosa, lupine, golden sunup, and marigolds.

“We never know for sure if we’re going to get a superbloom, or a spectacular wildflower season, but we are hopeful,” Michelle Thompson, Arizona State Parks & Trails spokeswoman, tells the Mohave Valley Daily News.

Thompson said that Cattail Cove State Park on the southern shore of Lake Havasu offers excellent wildflower viewing. “It has great trails that showcase the blooms.”

Nearby River Island State Park and Buckskin Mountain State Park are prime viewing spots for wildflowers.

Adds Andrew Brischke, Mohave County Extension director, “It’s probably slightly early to predict an exceptional year, but the winter precipitation through January is a good sign. Local conditions are currently trending toward a better-than-average year for wildflower bloom.”

Go Lake Havasu recognizes nature’s magnificent bouquet with a web page dedicated to Arizona Desert Wildflowers, including photo identification of the more common varieties.

About Lake Havasu City

Lake Havasu City is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu on the Colorado River border of California and Arizona. The city was established in 1963 by Robert P. McCulloch, Sr. as a self-sufficient, planned community. Lake Havasu City is located on what is known as “Arizona’s West Coast.” Driving time is three hours west of Phoenix, 2-1/2 hours south of Las Vegas, and four to five east of the Los Angeles region. As part of the northern and western limits of the Sonoran Desert, Lake Havasu City and the surrounding area feature outstanding biodiversity.

The area attracts 835,000 visitors annually with its historic London Bridge, pristine lake, friendly community, abundant sunshine and annual events, ideal weather, and wide range of restaurants and lodging. More than 400 miles of stunning coastline offer exceptional watersports, including fishing, skiing, kayaking, and house boating. Visitors can also explore the lake from the beautiful beaches, campsites, and hiking trails.

Rated one of the top 100 best bass fishing lakes in America, Lake Havasu is ideal for catching large and small-mouth bass and striper fishing. The region is also host to extensive off-road trails and undeveloped stretches of the river.

(Photo courtesy of Lake Havasu City)