At a Glance
- Desert wildflowers light up Anza-Borrego and Death Valley in winter.
- Modesto’s almond blossoms bloom for 3-4 weeks starting mid-February.
- Visit Modesto provides hotel links, audio tours, and almond-focused eateries.
- Why it matters: Winter flower season draws tourists and boosts local tourism.
By Marcus L. Bennett | News Of Los Angeles
As the cold settles over California, two floral spectacles light up the state: desert wildflowers in Anza-Borrego and Death Valley, and almond blossoms in Modesto. The almond blossom season begins mid-February and lasts about three to four weeks, offering visitors a self-guided cruise through blooming orchards.
Desert Wildflowers
Desert wildflowers in Anza-Borrego State Park and Death Valley National Park begin blooming in late winter, with reports of petal sightings trickling in from early February.
Almond Blossoms in Modesto

The Almond Blossom Cruise is a self-guided tour that showcases blooming orchards across Modesto. The bloom window starts in mid-February and wraps up by mid-March, lasting roughly 3-4 weeks.
- Hotel links, audio tours, and helpful tips are compiled by the Visit Modesto team.
- The tourism group also recommends almond-forward eateries.
- The short bloom window encourages visitors to plan carefully.
Key Takeaways
- Desert wildflowers brighten Anza-Borrego and Death Valley in winter.
- Modesto’s almond blossoms bloom for about 3-4 weeks from mid-February to mid-March.
- Visit Modesto offers resources such as hotel links, audio tours, and almond-focused dining.
The winter flower season is a vibrant reminder that California’s natural beauty thrives even in the colder months.

