Mexican gold poppies around Picacho Peak
Eschscholzia californica subsp. mexicana
Mexican gold poppies usually bloom from early February to late March around Picacho Peak, with the best color from late February into late March.
early February – late March Best: late February into late March Out of season
The show usually starts around early February. Check back closer to the season.
Not every season keeps to that rhythm. In one of the 6 seasons on record (2025-26) the first flowers opened around early January. In the desert that is what a soaking September or October rain does: the seeds sprout on it and the first flowers open months ahead of the usual season.
Where to see them
Arizona's poppy show climbs the flanks of Picacho Peak between Phoenix and Tucson. Good years start as early as late February — earlier than almost anything in California.
- Picacho Peak State Park
- Catalina State Park
- Lost Dutchman State Park
We name public reserves, parks, and roads only — never exact pins, never private land.
Updated September 8, 2026. Bloom timing varies with the year's weather — the curve shows the usual rhythm, and in-season updates sharpen it.