Best time to travel to El Paso, TX

Mexican Gold Poppies in El Paso, TX

The sea of gold covers Franklin Mountains every spring

Best time: late January–early April | best March

Mexican Gold Poppies
Mexican Gold Poppies
Mexican Gold Poppies
Mexican gold poppies in El Paso
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El Paso never looks more beautiful than in March when yellow poppies cover the slopes of Franklin Mountains. The annual bloom is the most anticipated natural phenomenon in the city. The first flowers appear in late January. The bloom peaks in March, turning everything north of El Paso into a sea of gold. By early April, the flowers are usually fading unless El Paso gets a few good showers. For the best pictures of poppy fields, you can head to El Paso Museum of Archaeology and the National Border Patrol Museum.

Mexican gold poppy, known as Eschscholzia californica ssp. Mexicana, is quite common for Southwest. But El Paso is especially famous for its massive poppy blooms. There are rumors that seeds were dropped here from a plane in the 1930s to make the arid area more appealing.

Franklin Mountains Poppy Fest (March 4-April 1, 2023)

For over 10 years, El Paso celebrates the annual bloom with Franklin Mountains Poppy Fest, organized by the Museum of Archeology. It is held on a Saturday in late March, from 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors can enjoy free admission to the museum, live shows, performances, educational exhibits, kids' activities, delicious treats from food trucks, as well as a crafts and art fair that features over 50 booths. The best part of the festival is, of course, nature trails across the Castner Range of the Franklin Mountains.

Practical info

When can Mexican Gold Poppies be seen in El Paso, TX?

Mexican Gold Poppies can be seen blooming as early as late January in El Paso, but the best time to view them is from late February to early April. If the location receives enough rainfall, the blooming may extend into the later part of April. March is the best time to visit to see a sea of gold in the north of El Paso. Show more

What are the best locations for picturesque poppy fields in El Paso?

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology and the National Border Patrol Museum offer the most picturesque views of poppy fields in the area. These spots also provide great photo opportunities. For those interested in nature walks and seeing the flowers at their fullest, Castner Range of the Franklin Mountains is another excellent location to view the Mexican Gold Poppies. Show more

What distinguishes the Mexican Gold Poppies in El Paso from those in other parts of the Southwest?

Mexican Gold Poppies are common throughout the Southwest, but El Paso's massive blooms make it one of the best places to view them. Some believe that the poppies were intentionally planted in the 1930s by dropping seeds from a plane. Regardless of their origin, viewing the poppies in El Paso is a unique and annual sight to be seen. Show more

When is the Franklin Mountains Poppy Fest held?

The Franklin Mountains Poppy Fest happens annually on a Saturday in late March during late January to early April in El Paso. The event is organized by the Museum of Archeology and runs from 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors can enjoy free admission to the museum, educational exhibits, performances, as well as a craft and art fair with 50 booths. Show more

What can I experience at the Franklin Mountains Poppy Fest in El Paso?

People that attend the Franklin Mountains Poppy Fest in El Paso will be treated to a variety of nature trails across the Castner Range of the Franklin Mountains, free museum admission, live shows, and educational exhibits. Not to mention, there are also delicious food trucks and various booths featuring more than 50 kinds of crafts and art. It is an excellent opportunity to see the Mexican Gold Poppies at their peak. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin