North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is home to many great hiking opportunities with splendid views, beautiful waterfalls, and huge overlooks. One of the highlights of this area is the spring wildflower bloom that takes place on this ancient elevated basalt mesa once a year. From early March to about late April this volcanic plateau turns from grass, dirt, and weeds into a massive painted canvas. Formed between 30 and 40 million years ago, this volcanic sheet has managed to stand the test of time, absorbing large amounts of water as the seasons pass from the warm to wet. As the water table reaches full saturation and begins to flow down toward the valley below, the dry land begins to bloom. When the Northern California valley receives normal to heavy levels of precipitation, the blooms can be tremendous.

Purple, red, pink, gold, white, orange, green and yellow extend in every direction on the reserve in the spring, painted only the way mother nature can when she wants to drop your jaw. With a multitude of wildflower species to enjoy and over 3,300 acres to explore both on and off trail, you will be able to escape the large numbers of people that flock here at this time of year. Rolling hills and large ravines provide areas to get away from the crowds but still be surrounded by great color. Expect to see blue lupine, two kinds of orange poppy, blue dicks, blue and white bird's eye, magenta monkey flower, white popcorn flower, daisies, blooming oak trees, and purple owl's clover to name a few. With so many gorgeous colors, you will quickly be enthralled with seeing what you can find and identify. Make sure to bring your camera, plenty of time, and sunscreen for a full day enjoying your walk through this wildflower wonderland.

Dogs are allowed on leash. The reserve is open from dawn to dusk. Camping and fires are prohibited, and please do not attempt to pet, feed, or harass the cattle.