Desert wildflowers are blooming

Viewing wildflowers is a fine excuse to get out and take a walk on just about any of our nearby hiking trails. You don't have to go far, but you shouldn't tarry because desert wildflowers burst forth and then disappear in a remarkably short time. On a recent stroll in the Huffaker Hills of south Reno, I saw phlox, tidy tips, big-head clover, paintbrush, and Hooker's balsamroot.

Another nearby spot is Washoe Lake State Park, between Reno and Carson City. The hills on the east side of Washoe Lake can be quite spectacular with lupine, phlox, groundsel, and balsamroot, among others. I recently hiked Deadman's Creek, on the east side of the park above Washoe Lake, and found abundant blooming phlox in the rocks near the gazebo overlooking Washoe Valley, along with perky yellow balsamroot, goundsel, desert peach, and bitterbrush. To get an idea of what you might see, check out my gallery of Nevada wildflower pictures.

Wildflower season in the higher elevations typically begins in June or July, depending on when the snow melts. If you miss the desert display, your summer hikes in the Sierra Nevada around Lake Tahoe should yield some excellent wildflower viewing pleasure.

Read Where to Find Reno / Tahoe Wildflowers to learn more about the spring and summer wildflowers found in our area.

To add to your wildflower viewing pleasure, a good guidebook (or two) is a must. Check out Books to Identify Great Basin and Sierra Nevada Wildflowers for a selection of excellent guides covering the wildflowers and plants of our deserts and mountains.

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