California wildflower superbloom begins — here’s a look at one of the best spots
There’s a silver lining to all the cold, rainy weather that’s buffeted the Central Coast — actually an orange, yellow and blue one.
Vast fields of wildflowers are blossoming en masse across the eastern swath of San Luis Obispo County as a lush superbloom returns to California.
One popular place to find colorful blooms are the hills east of Santa Margarita along Highway 58, most notably along Shell Creek Road, but also Bitterwater Road and La Panza Road, as well as in the foothills of the Temblor Range.
On Saturday, visitors walked among the blooms, taking photos, settling down for a picnic and even doing cartwheels.
Along Shell Creek Road, lush carpets of goldfields, California poppies, yellow-and-white tidy tips and baby blue eyes adorn the fields and hills.
Scott and Lauren Whitney of San Luis Obispo brought their dog Cali along, pausing to grab a selfie while walking among the wildflowers.
The Latham family of San Luis Obispo made the trip out together to marvel at the springtime display.
“I love the purplish-blue ones. Those are my favorite. Just all the different colors,” Melissa Latham said. “It’s nice to sit here and have a picnic and enjoy it. Soak it up while you can!”
Her husband Ryan Latham called the scene “peaceful, serene.”
Their two daughters, sisters Callie and Ella, simultaneously said, “They’re really pretty. I love the colors.”
The heavily-flowered stretch along Shell Creek Road is private property, and owner Daniel Sinton urged people to remember to be respectful while in the area.
“We don’t cut it off from people because we we think that people should enjoy it as well,” he said.
He also reminded folks to not park off the road when stopping.
The Tribune is looking for more photos of SLO County wildflowers. Email them to Tribune Local/Entertainment Editor Sarah Linn at slinn@thetribunenews.com.
This story was originally published April 4, 2023 at 8:13 AM.