Kori James

The Beautiful Vista can be seen from atop Pincushion Trail.

As the breeze kicks up, the sweet aroma of poppies and sunflowers circulates through the air as hikers can see colorful wildflowers dot the hills. Sophomore Tabitha Peters reaches the top of the Pincushion and drinks in the lush landscape surrounding her, including the surreal view of Millerton Lake. After a quick 45 minutes of hiking straight uphill, Peters can finally take in the California Pincushion Superbloom from up high.

Superbloom is a natural phenomenon that happens when enough rain falls in the winter and large amounts of dormant wildflower seeds become active. Over the course of four to five weeks in the spring, these flowers will bloom covering the ground in a colorful carpet of flowers. 

You can also call the Superbloom hotline to get updates on where it is the strongest (818-768-1802).

The nearest place from Fresno to view these flowers is Pincushion, which is about a 30-minute drive. Pincushion is a moderately difficult hike with 2.8 miles in and out with a 489-feet elevation gain. Most of the trail is laid dirt with some gravel spots along the way.

Peters describes the highlight of hiking Pincushion Trail: the view. 

“The vibrant colors of the wildflowers added to the beautiful landscape,” Peters said. “The flowers varied from white, yellow, orange, and blue.”

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Kori James

The Arroyo Lupine wildflower can be found along the Pincushion trial during the spring season.

The view from the top of Pincushion is filled with hills covered in flowers and green grass along with views of Millerton Lake. Hikers will have to leave their dogs at home because they are not allowed on the trails. 

Junior Natalie Sullivan recently completed the hike and like Peters agrees that the flora was breathtaking.

“The colors were beautiful, the sky was so clear there were no clouds,” Sullivan said. “All of the wildflowers were beautiful – so many different colors like yellow and purple and the grass was the prettiest shade of green.”

For a little more of a drive, you can view the wildflowers in Yosemite National Park, which is about an hour and a half from Fresno. Senior Karis Petrie has spent a fair share of time in Yosemite, from hiking to rock climbing, it has become one of her favorite places due to its incomparable beauty.

“I have been to Yosemite to climb a couple of times now and have loved seeing the wildflowers!” Petrie said. “During the spring they are all around and bring the forest ground to life.” 

Cook’s Meadow Loop and Wawona Meadow Loop are popular hiking trails in Yosemite with views of the wildflowers. 

Video by Kori James Photo

To read more adventures from the Feather visit, Snowboarding and skiing provide weekend getaway and Rock climbing gym offers alternative student activity

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