Visitors flocking to Pinnacles National park to see wildflowers

Blooming fields of bright wildflowers are taking shape all over Pinnacles National Park.
“When I see one I always say, oh hello, and bend down and really look at it,” said Ellen Hellen of Santa Cruz.
“They are our friends,” said Santa Cruz resident Susan Arnold.
Hellen, Arnold and Laura Toby have been coming to see the vivid flowers for more than 20 years.
“I feel sorry for my friends on Facebook because they get to see whats’s out,” said Hellen. “I take pictures and then post them.”
A group of moms also made a special trip to enjoy the changing hillsides and trails of color.
“They were so beautiful,” said Lupita Quintana of King City. “Nothing like we see out there in the city.”
Pinnacles National Park rangers said they are expecting a big bloom this season due to above average rainfall. The wildflowers are native to the area and spring up without being planted.
“They come up once a year for a few weeks and you won’t see them again until next year,” said Pinnacles National Park Ranger Beth Hudick. “It’s a magical time I would say.”

It’s a busy time as well. The wildflowers are becoming a popular attraction. The park is getting lots of calls and increased visitation from people all over the country who want to see them.
“The parking lots have filled up completely on both sides of the park by about 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.,” said Hudick. “I would recommend if people are planning to visit the park, if your schedule is at all flexible, try to come during the week or after 3 p.m. on the weekends.”
Park rangers said the wildflowers are adding more than just pockets of beauty. They’re also planting seeds of environmental stewardship and appreciation for nature.
“It’s a great way to enjoy nature and the great beauty that we’ve got on this earth,” said Toby.

Peak season for the wildflowers is expected in the next two weeks.
Park rangers ask that people take pictures and not the flowers. Plucking them stops the seed production for next year’s growth.